Stella Maris (Mount Carmel, Israel)
City:
Haifa
State, Province, Region, or District:
Haifa District
Country:
Israel
Overview
Mount Carmel is best known as the site of the confrontation between the 850 prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 18:1-40). Mount Carmel was a High Place of worship to the false god of Baal and Asherah during the period of Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. Mount Carmel is covered on a separate page.
Stella Maris is a 19th century palace and lighthouse on the north-west side of Mount Carmel, built over levels from earlier periods. The lighthouse is closed to the public and there is no access to the building, as it is inside an Israeli Navy base, but it can be viewed from nearby. From this site is an ancient path down along the foothills of the Carmel, from the Carmelite Monastery down to Elijah’s Cave.
Alternate Names
The Stella Maris Lighthouse is also known as the Stella Maris Light (Hebrew: מגדלור סטלה מאריס), Mount Carmel Light, Har Carmel Light or Haifa Light.
Geography & Location
The Monastery is located on the north-west corner of Mount Carmel, adjacent to the upper station of the Haifa Cable car. The lighthouse is located on the seaward face of Mount Carmel, near Stella Maris Monastery, inside an Israeli Navy base.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
History related to Mount Carmel is covered on a separate page. The following information is associated with the history of Stella Maris.
Architecture
The existing house and lighthouse were first built in using masonry from the Carmelite monastery that stood there, and was destroyed by order of Abdullah Pasha. The foundation of the tower is a 3-story building. The octagonal tower stands 66 feet (20 meters) and features a lantern and gallery.
Biblical & Historical References
Mount Carmel (Mukhraka) is best known as the site of the confrontation between the 850 prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 18:1-40).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
See the applicable section on the page for Mount Carmel.
Etymology
Elijah – In Hebrew: Eliyahu. Means in Hebrew: Eli (my God) + Yahu (the Lord, the Hebrew God). Thus the name means “The Lord is my God”. Elijah came from a place called Tishbi, in the region of Gilad – east to the Jordan river.
Site Visit
The entrance to Stella Maris is seen on the photo below, where a tall statue stands between a number of palm trees. This statue, with Mary holding infant Jesus, was donated by Chile.