Perched on the side of Mount Carmel, the founding convent of the Carmelite Order has scenic coastal views and an ornate interior filled with biblical imagery.
The Stella Maris Monastery is a 19th-century religious institute with an important place in the history of Haifa. It is the world headquarters of the Carmelite Order, a branch of Catholicism that originated here on Mount Carmel. Spot the emblem of the order marking the top of the entrance to the monastery.
Notice the thick walls and barred windows of the lower part of the monastery’s exterior. These were built to protect the church from attacks from opposing religious orders.
Enter the complex and make your way to the church, whose layout resembles the shape of a cross. Inspect the various frescoes and works of art portraying scenes and characters from the Bible. These include the figures of David, the Holy Family and the Four Evangelists.
Among the highlights are the colorful murals decorating the underside of the central dome. Marvel at the ornate altar that has a statue of the Virgin Mary with the Baby Jesus in her lap. Underneath the altar is the cave where it is said the prophet Elijah lived and taught.
Attend a religious ceremony or musical concert to hear the melodies of the organ on the western wall. Appreciate the impressive acoustics within the church. Outside, the northern views of the sea are spectacular. See the monuments that stand between the palm trees at the convent's entrance.
Note that the construction of the monastery, whose name is Latin for Star of the Sea, was completed in 1836. The site is open to visitors daily from early morning until early evening, with a brief closure at noon. All visitors are expected to wear clothes that cover knees and shoulders, while men should remove their hats.
The Stella Maris Monastery is in the Ramat Shaul zone on the northern tip of Haifa. Get a bus to a stop in the area or take a taxi from the Haifa Center railway station. Visit some of the nearby attractions, such as Bat Galim Beach, the Haifa Port and the Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum.
