Elijah’s Cave

The cave of the Prophet Elijah is one of the most famous, important and sacred caves for the monotheistic faiths. Its presence bestows Haifa with religious significance for Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze alike.

Thousands of pilgrims attribute magical qualities and healing powers to the cave, and take many vows in this location. Muslims refer to the cave as "el-Hadra" - the green. The cave is situated inside a residential dwelling. According to tradition, Prophet Elijah resided in this cave while running from the wrath of Ahab, king of Israel. Christians erected a special monastery above the cave, which they have devoted to the Carmelites and their admired saint, the Prophet Elijah. Druze Arabs also regard the cave as a holy place. In the days of the British Mandate, the location was the property of the Muslim waqf, "waqf el-Hadra" (the green), a name attributed to Elijah the green prophet and eternal invigoration. With the liberation of the country, the cave was returned to Jewish hands and is maintained by the Authority for Holy Sites. There are few historical sources identifying the place as the cave of the Prophet Elijah, and identification is based on ancient tradition. Ascription of the cave to Prophet Elijah is in accordance with this tradition, which saw Elijah as the prophet of wrath, who isolated himself in deserts and mountains, and dwells inside caves.

The prophet resided on Carmel Mountain, and it is beyond question that his caves were used as hiding places. There are several beliefs regarding the locations in which Prophet Elijah isolated himself, the oldest and most recognized belief refers to the cave that lies at the foot of Mount Carmel in the vicinity of the Haifa beach. The walls of the cave are covered in writings left by pilgrims who visited, and one of them is by a Roman soldier named Germanous. Some researchers assert that the cave was used as an abode for the oracle of the God of Carmel.

Christians also believe it to be sacred since Jesus and his family hid therewhile escaping King Herod.

Address : Allenby Road, Haifa
Tel: 04-8527430