Visiting The Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery: What should we know?

Asked 2 years ago

Before we go sightseeing at The Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, we want to know if there is an entrance fee, maybe some of the history behind it, and what would be considered respectful etiquette?

Stella maris monastery Israel sightseeing City of haifa Travelling israel

Petal Mashraki

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Stella Maris or "Star of the Sea", is named for its elevated position on Mount Carmel, Haifa, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and for the adjacent historic Lighthouse. 
It is the world headquarters of the Carmelite Order. In the 12th-century, Carmelite monks inhabited mountain caves close to the cave where Prophet Elijah once lived. In the 19th-century the monastery was constructed. 
Must-see attractions:
Stella Maris Church
A cave below the altar where Elijah lived. 
A second Elijah's Cave where the prophet meditated before challenging the pagan priests. 
Statute dedicated to soldiers slaughtered by Mamluks after being abandoned by Napolean in 1799.
Important Info:
Address: Stella Maris Road, Haifa
Phone: 04-833-7758
Open Hours: Daily 06:30-13:30 & 15:00-18:00, English Mass Mon-Sat 06:30, Sun 07:00 & 09:00
Entrance: Free
Dress: Modestly
Getting there: Take the cable car up to Stella Maris from the Bat Galim seafront promenade.