Elijah's Cave, Haifa
Entrance to Elijah's Cave. Photo by vad levin.
The cave of Elijah. Photo © Bettina & Dominique Zygmont.
Cave (left) and altar. Photos © Bettina & Dominique Zygmont.
Altar in the cave. Photo by Francesco.
Painted cupola of the chapel. Photo © Bettina & Dominique Zygmont.
Elijah's Cave is nestled at the base of Cape Carmel in Haifa, below the lighthouse and Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. An important shrine to many religions, the chapel includes the very cave in which the Hebrew prophet Elijah is believed to have lived and taught.
History
Many important events in the life of the Prophet Elijah (9th century BC) are said to have happened in this revered cave: he lived and meditated here before defeating the pagan prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel; he hid here when fleeing the wrath of King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel; and Elijah established his school here upon his return from exile.
The cave is sacred to Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze, all of whom venerate the prophet Elijah. There was a mosque here until 1948. Tradition also has it that the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph and Jesus) found shelter in this cave for a night on their return from Egypt.
What to See
A domed chapel enshrines the cave, which is underneath the main altar. The cave itself also has a small altar. Pilgrimages and great ceremonies are held at this cave many times each year.
Head coverings must be worn in the cave; they are available at the entrance.
| Names: | Elijah's Cave; School of the Prophet |
| Address: | 230 Allenby Rd, Haifa, Israel |
| Phone: | 04/852-7430 |
| Bus: | 3, 5, 44, or 45 will let you off at the highway nearby |
| Hours: | Summer: Sun-Thurs 8am-6pm; Fri 8am-1pm. Winter: Sun-Thurs 8am-5pm; Fri 8am-1pm. Closed Sat and holidays |
| Cost: | Free, but donations gladly accepted |
Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Elijah's Cave in Haifa. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Haifa Map or get our free Google Earth download.
