Stella Maris Monastery
Stella Maris Monastery
4.5
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Serving as a pilgrimage centre, this impressive church of the Carmelite Order houses a collection of antiques and its nearby monastery once served as a hospital for Napoleon’s soldiers.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
373 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
136
Average
55
Poor
9
Terrible
1
Leah D
Haifa, Israel10 contributions
Jan 2020
In this area there is a combination of an interesting of the Carmelite church, historical monuments, and a balcony for a panoramic view of the city and the bay of Haifa. You can get there by cable-car, which add to the total experience. Usually I will recommend walking the footpath from there down below to Elija cave but due to the constructions around the cave now days the path is closed from this direction and the cave is accessible only from below, from Allenby street
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,698 contributions
Jan 2020
Stella Maris, which is Latin for ‘Star of the Sea’, is an ancient title for the Virgin Mary. The Stella Maris Monastery and Church dates to 1631 when the Carmelites, a Catholic religious order, were forced to withdraw from the Holy Land. A small monastery, later enlarged but then destroyed by the French in 1799, resulted in the need to rebuild again. Today’s church and monastery dates to 1836 and serves as world headquarters for the Carmelites. Our tour group had arranged for lunch in the monastery; the food was plentiful, delicious and the surroundings tranquil. Sister Esther surprised us with a visit to the rooftop which provided fabulous views of the Mediterranean and Haifa harbor (thank you Sister!). We didn’t think it could get any better – until we entered the lovely Stella Maris Church. Even though it’s small, the Italian marble columns and colorful paintings are anything but. The elevated altar is dominated by a famous porcelain statue of “Our Lady of Mount Carmel” – Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus in her lap. Underneath the altar, steps lead to a small grotto where the Old Testament prophet Elijah sometimes lived. The church dome and ceiling contains vivid paintings, including Elijah being carried to Heaven in a chariot. Simply stunning!
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony C
Bedford, UK1,397 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
One of the many monasteries you will see if you are touring Israel. They all have something else to offer and being with a guide so you can understand it’s place in the Holy Land.
This is situated just outside Haifa on the hill so provides some great views of the city below.
This is situated just outside Haifa on the hill so provides some great views of the city below.
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FredPurdue
Seattle, WA2,268 contributions
Jan 2020
Many tours of Haifa will stop here for a few minutes. Photographers will find it a challenge but rewarding for photographs. Due to crowds, travel light using a DSLR, although we had a pocket camera with us that day. It worked fine, but the interior is dark requiring fast ISOs. Look for the interior details. Exterior is bland, but walk around and find shots. Also near is a viewpoint of Haifa and the bay. Be sure to walk over there.
Written April 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HOYOHOYO
Muar, Malaysia916 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We visited the Stella Maris Monastery near Haifa. It is on Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The biblical significance was the cave of Prophet Elijah and his fire miracles in the Old Testament. There is a grotto beneath the church to commemorate him.
The Stella Maris Monastery was also the home of the Carmelites monks during the Crusade eras. They live frugal and hermit-life on Mount Carmel, emulating the Prophet Elijah. During the Napoleonic wars, there were French troops massacred by the Ottomans. A pyramid-shaped plaque was erected at the church front.
Inside the church are painted ceilings and domes portraying the work and ministries of Prophet Elijah. The Latin name Stella Maris dedicated to Virgin Mary, means Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
The Stella Maris Monastery was also the home of the Carmelites monks during the Crusade eras. They live frugal and hermit-life on Mount Carmel, emulating the Prophet Elijah. During the Napoleonic wars, there were French troops massacred by the Ottomans. A pyramid-shaped plaque was erected at the church front.
Inside the church are painted ceilings and domes portraying the work and ministries of Prophet Elijah. The Latin name Stella Maris dedicated to Virgin Mary, means Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flore
Arad, Romania1,709 contributions
Feb 2020
The church is located on Mount Carmel, being raised above the cave where the Prophet Elijah often lodged. At the beginning of the 13th century, the "Carmelite Order" was created here, belonging to the Catholic church, but at the end of the century the church was conquered and then destroyed by the Muslims. The present church was rebuilt in 1823 and the monastery, at the beginning of the twentieth century. Do not miss to admire the scenery that can be seen from this place. The best panorama is from the funicular station. Absolutely gorgeous!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Swantje W
Pasadena, California, United States14 contributions
Jan 2023
The Elijah’s cave area was the only thing that was open. Even that wasn’t inviting for any prayer or reflection. Not even the restrooms near the church were open, so I had to find a restaurant where they let me go. It’s sad when the best area for reflection is the windy outlook area with narration.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NV210
New York City27 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
The views from this vantage point are worth a special trip at any time of the day, but at sunset, the vista is beyond gorgeous. While the path down the mountain beneath the lighthouse can be a bit treacherous, between loose stones and packs of howling jackals (not available at all times, apparently, but certainly memorable as darkness begins to envelop the mountain after sunset and one is trying to make it safely up the path), the setting is altogether special and unique. A visitor to Haifa should definitely plan to include the Monastery and lighthouse in their trip to the top of Stella Maris. Of interest to history buffs, photographers, adventurers and anyone who appreciates beautiful views. (ok, everyone)
Written June 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
holidaytraveller982
New York City, NY173 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
A very interesting chapter in history, with a beautiful view and a nice walk. Excellent cafe on site, huge portions of really good food! Buses pile in, so time your visit carefully. Keep in mind how welcoming Israel is to all religions, and how respectful they are of the past history of other peoples. A beacon of openness in the Middle East.
Written November 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Briansandridge
Simsbury CT14 contributions
From the front door of the Carmelite Monastery looking down toward the sea, look for a dirt path. I was told another cave in which Elijah stayed was down there. It was late afternoon and I started down. Coming to unexpected cross paths and no idea of which, I climbed back up. No one was there so I turned around looked at the sun and figured I could wander on down to the sea before dark.
So, down I go, and fortuitously met a hiker/jogger sweating his way up. I asked him about any caves around and didn't know. But he confirmed that the trail I was on did reach sea-level. (If you have not been to Haifa, realize that the city is almost vertical, built into the side of Mount Carmel.) As I continued down I came upon an ABANDONED CEMENT BLOCK HOUSE. The SUN now at a very acute angle was shining inside and forming a perfect patch of golden light on the opposite wall. Like Moses attracted to the strange fiery orange light, I had to check it out.
As I approached it, there was some detritus of teen-age wasteland, some broken beer bottles, but the rectangular square was glowing brighter and brighter as the sun was dropping into the angle most suitable for illuminating the patch of cement wall. This, as the ambient light outside was now fading. I had a chill.
I knew there would be a message written upon the cement wall that was now glowing pinkish orange, in a purpling background.
I reached it. And walked in, crunching upon glass shards. And in the rectangle, perfectly written in Hebrew and English were the Ten Commandments!
It was graffiti, but it was perfectly aligned within the Tablet of Sun Set gold.
If, I had reached the Monastery before closing time; if I had not come back up and then back down, the timing would not have been right. I had been guided to reach the right place at the right time with a heart seeking God. Still awed 6 months later!
Tips: Late After Noon towards evening walk down the trail. There is a Cable Car that runs up and down. Take the hike down, and return to your vehicle by Cable Car. At the foot of the Cable Cars are several restaurants within and without the structure. Nice views, poor service. Food OK.
So, down I go, and fortuitously met a hiker/jogger sweating his way up. I asked him about any caves around and didn't know. But he confirmed that the trail I was on did reach sea-level. (If you have not been to Haifa, realize that the city is almost vertical, built into the side of Mount Carmel.) As I continued down I came upon an ABANDONED CEMENT BLOCK HOUSE. The SUN now at a very acute angle was shining inside and forming a perfect patch of golden light on the opposite wall. Like Moses attracted to the strange fiery orange light, I had to check it out.
As I approached it, there was some detritus of teen-age wasteland, some broken beer bottles, but the rectangular square was glowing brighter and brighter as the sun was dropping into the angle most suitable for illuminating the patch of cement wall. This, as the ambient light outside was now fading. I had a chill.
I knew there would be a message written upon the cement wall that was now glowing pinkish orange, in a purpling background.
I reached it. And walked in, crunching upon glass shards. And in the rectangle, perfectly written in Hebrew and English were the Ten Commandments!
It was graffiti, but it was perfectly aligned within the Tablet of Sun Set gold.
If, I had reached the Monastery before closing time; if I had not come back up and then back down, the timing would not have been right. I had been guided to reach the right place at the right time with a heart seeking God. Still awed 6 months later!
Tips: Late After Noon towards evening walk down the trail. There is a Cable Car that runs up and down. Take the hike down, and return to your vehicle by Cable Car. At the foot of the Cable Cars are several restaurants within and without the structure. Nice views, poor service. Food OK.
Written January 2, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
למיטב ידעתי זה עובד גם בשבת זה אתר תיירות ידוע.ומקום עם תצפית יפיפיה על אזור הים והעיר חיפה.
Written February 23, 2019
Salve vorrei sapere se per il 2 novembre 2018 è possibile fermarsi a pranzo in 16 persone. A questo proposito vorrei sapere che tipo di menu fate e altre info sul luogo grazie
Written October 4, 2018
Was this question meant to be addressed to the Monastery itself?
Written October 9, 2018
Brianna E
San Diego, California
Are there mass times offered on Sunday? I’m visiting today and need to attend a catholic mass and having trouble finding one near my cruise ship. Thank you!
Written July 15, 2018
Brianna E
San Diego, California
Are there mass times offered on Sunday? I’m visiting today and need to attend a catholic mass and having trouble finding one near my cruise ship. Thank you!
Written July 15, 2018
Marcia V
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Boa tarde, Monasterio Stella Maris está localizado no Jardim Bahai no Monte Carmel?
Written May 31, 2018
Hello, is the monastery open on Sundays? Is there an admission fee?
Thank you :)
Written January 14, 2018
Dear Julua.Yes it is. Every day 08:00 to 12:09 and 15:00 to 18:00 and no fee. Let me know when u r in Haifa welcome to be my guest here.
Written January 15, 2018
Good day,
Where or how can i make a reservation for dinner and accomodation in the monastery?
kind regards,
Edda Hoorn
Written October 8, 2017
Ciao a tutti sono qui ad haifa ma non posso entrare nel monastero carmelitano perché sono da sola e non con un gruppo organizzato! potete aiutarmi a trovare un modo per entrare? Conoscete agenzie che organizzano visite qui ad haifa? Grazie mille
Written August 17, 2017
Find all your answers at
wikipedia under Stella_Maris_Monastery
wikipedia. under Stella_Maris_Light
good luck and enjoy a visit there - also at night for the fantastic view
Written July 25, 2017
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