After visiting Caesarea National Park, my wife and I traveled with our tour group to the Muhraqa Carmelite Monastery. The monastery is built at the high point of Mount Caramel, near Haifa, Israel. The location is most famous as the place where the prophet Elijah confronted the priests of Baal. Elijah built two altars, on to Baal and one to God. He challenged the priests to call down fire from their god to light the sacrifice. The priests prayed loudly, even cutting themselves with swords. But the altar did not light. When the priests failed to ignite their sacrifice, Elijah doused his altar in water. He even dug a ditch around the altar which was also filled with water. A consuming fire rained down from the heavens, consuming the sacrifice, the wood and the stones. Even the water in the ditch was consumed. (1 Kings 18).
The Discalcite Carmelite Order is a somewhat small compound. But it is definitely a stop you don't want to miss. Aside from the massive statue of Elijah, there is a small garden that is meticulously kept up. There is also a very small chapel. But the highlight of this location is the view from the rooftop. Mount Carmel overlooks the Jezreel Valley. Many biblical battles happened in this cut across between the sea and the mountains. It is also the place where Armageddon will take place. The spectacular 360 degree perspective of Israel is an amazing sight to see.
Chapel Exterior
Chapel Interior
Rooftop View North Toward Valley
Rooftop View Looking South
Entrance to the rooftop is on the north side of the building beside the chapel. There is a small gift shop on the first floor where visitors can purchase a variety of small gifts. The gifts are typical for the religious sites we visited while in Israel. There are a variety of oils, holy water, olive wood carvings, statuary, rosaries, postcards and other items. Many of the gifts are inexpensive. As this was the first full day of our trip, we did not bog ourselves down in trinkets. While the location is small and out of the way, it is scenic and interesting. Elijah is a prominent figure in both Christianity and Judaism, so this location has significance across religions.
Official Name: Discalced Carmelite Order Muhraqa Monastery
Address: P.O.Box 55, 30056 Dalyat Al Karmel, Haifa ISRAEL
Tel.: 00972-52-8-77-96-86
E-mail: muhraka2000@hotmail.com
Photographs are mine. They may be reproduced with permission.