Name and Location

The Stella Maris Lighthouse stands on the western slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. The official name is "Stella Maris Lighthouse" in English, מגדלור סטלה מאריס in Hebrew, and Маяк Стелла-Мария in Russian.

The lighthouse is located on Stella Maris Road 99, Haifa, Israel. The coordinates are 32°49′42.0″ N, 34°58′08.7″ E (decimal 32.828338, 34.9690933).

2. Construction and History

The earliest beacon at the site dates back to the late Ottoman period. The current tower likely dates from the early 20th century. The managing authority is Israel Ports Company (Haifa Port Department). Although the exact build date is not recorded, the existing masonry structure is believed to be from this time.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Stella Maris Lighthouse has a short cylindrical tower attached to a small keeper's room. The materials used are rendered masonry, painted white, with a lantern room in red-painted steel and glass. The height of the tower only is approximately 6–8 meters.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a Fl(3) W 15s light characteristic and has an approximate range of 12 nautical miles. It stands at a focal plane of around 160 meters above mean sea level, including hill elevation.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse area via Haifa Cable Car (Stella Maris stop) or private vehicle via Stella Maris Road. However, the lighthouse itself is fenced and not open for interior tours. It is readily visible from the monastery terrace and Stella Maris Road.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features notable views of the Mediterranean Sea and Haifa Bay. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, Elijah's Cave, Haifa Cable Car, and Elijah's Lookout Park.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local folklore refers to the lighthouse as "Stella Maris" ("Star of the Sea"), venerating the Virgin Mary under a traditional seafaring title. The lighthouse is part of the broader religious-maritime landscape of the Carmel coast and figures in local pilgrim routes.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse operates fully automated, with no on-site keeper since the late 20th century. It is powered by an electric lamp with Fresnel or equivalent optic, running from a local grid with battery backup. The chart reference is Israeli Chart HA–71 (Haifa Bay).

9. Further Information

For further information, refer to the Wikidata entry Q2891463: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2891463. Additional resources include Israel Ports Company's Haifa – Navigation Aids leaflet and Haifa Municipality's tourism guide "Mount Carmel Heritage Trail".