Friday, June 27, 2025

Stella Maris Monastery

The Bible teaches that the Prophet Elijah fought on Mount Carmel against prophets of the Baal. From then to this day, Carmel Mountain retains its religious significance. According to tradition, Elijah hid in the cave at the slopes of the sea star ridge. The Carmelite Christians sanctified an additional cave at the top of the ridge and erected a large monastery above, which today constitutes their world center. The large monastery known as the Stella Maris monastery was destroyed and rebuilt several times until its final establishment in 1836.

The monastery’s main hall is luxurious and resembles the shape of a cross. The ceiling of the hall is roofed and decorated with colorful paintings based on motifs from Old and New Testaments: Elijah rising to the heavens, David strings his harp, the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Family and the Four Evangelists. Latin inscriptions of biblical verses are written around the roofed dome.

We stopped into the Monastery for a quick visit and I was in awe of the beautiful painting on the top of the ceiling. The Monastery is free to the public and I would highly recommend a visit if you are in the Haifa area.

Latest

The Radical Hotel Joins the Tapestry Collection by Hilton 

The Radical Hotel, located in Asheville’s River Arts District,...

Why Lotusland is One of the World’s Most Unique Botanical Gardens—And How to Visit

Ganna Walska Lotusland, also known as Lotusland, is a...

From Festival Fare to Napa Favorites: Where to Eat Like You’re Still at BottleRock

After three days of high-energy performances, celebrity chef demos,...

From Emperors to Dragons: The Timeless Allure of Split Croatia

On the coastal strip of Croatia sits the second-largest...

Newsletter

Don't miss

The Radical Hotel Joins the Tapestry Collection by Hilton 

The Radical Hotel, located in Asheville’s River Arts District,...

Why Lotusland is One of the World’s Most Unique Botanical Gardens—And How to Visit

Ganna Walska Lotusland, also known as Lotusland, is a...

From Festival Fare to Napa Favorites: Where to Eat Like You’re Still at BottleRock

After three days of high-energy performances, celebrity chef demos,...

From Emperors to Dragons: The Timeless Allure of Split Croatia

On the coastal strip of Croatia sits the second-largest...

Easy Ways to Stay Safe on Your Solo Summer Adventure

Solo travel is one of the most exciting ways...
Amy Harris
Amy Harris is a writer and photographer who has been traveling for 20 years and flown over 2 million miles to visit over 80 countries on 6 continents. She is a freelance photographer for Invision by Associated Press, AP Images and Rex/Shutterstock. Her work can be seen in various publications and websites including: Rolling Stone, AP Images, National Geographic Books, Fodor’s Travel Guides, Forbes.com, Lonely Planet Travel Guides, JetStar magazine, and Delta Sky Magazine.

The Radical Hotel Joins the Tapestry Collection by Hilton 

The Radical Hotel, located in Asheville’s River Arts District, is one of the newest additions to the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. With vibrant murals...

Why Lotusland is One of the World’s Most Unique Botanical Gardens—And How to Visit

Ganna Walska Lotusland, also known as Lotusland, is a hidden oasis in a Montecito, California residential area. This non-profit botanical garden is 37 acres of...

From Festival Fare to Napa Favorites: Where to Eat Like You’re Still at BottleRock

After three days of high-energy performances, celebrity chef demos, and the wild, wonderful chaos that is BottleRock Napa Valley, one thing stood out just...