Deir Al-Mukhraqa Carmelite Monastery

Address
M3FQ+38, Daliyat al-Karmel, Israel
Web
https://www.carmelholylanddco.org/
Visiting Hours
Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 to 16:30, Sunday from 9:30 to 12:00
What to see
Altar with the twelve stones at the place of Elijah’s sacrifice, terrace with good views over the valley of Yizreel

Muhraqa is an Arabic word meaning “burning place”. In this place, venerated since ancient times by both Arabs, Jews and Christians, tradition states that the prophet Elijah challenged the 450 priests of Baal in the time of King Ahab (1 Kings 18, 20-40). According to Carmelite sources, several medieval pilgrims testify that a circular stone altar stood next to a cistern in the place, and that the place was venerated by Jews and Muslims in memory of Elijah’s sacrifice.

The monastery today stands on the southern slopes of Mount Carmel, 30 km from Haifa. The current building was built in 1883, on top of a previous construction, and contains a twelve-stone altar in memory of the biblical episode. In the courtyard, there is a statue of the prophet represented at the moment of defeating the priests of Baal. The monastery is crowned by a huge terrace from which you can even see Mount Hermon on days with good visibility, as well as Tabor to the south, and the entire valley of Esdrelon.