Mount Carmel, Mountain range in Haifa District, Israel.
Mount Carmel is a limestone mountain range along the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel, stretching almost forty kilometers. The highest point rises to 545 meters (around 1790 feet) and overlooks the city of Haifa and the open sea.
The caves in this range sheltered humans already in the Stone Age, as excavations with Neanderthal and early modern human remains show. Over the centuries, the site became associated with prophets, monks, and pilgrims who sought refuge here.
The name comes from Hebrew and means "vineyard of God", referring to the dense vegetation that once covered the slopes. Pilgrims from different religions visit the caves and monasteries today, where prayers are spoken and candles lit.
Hiking trails cross the national park and pass through shaded forests and open slopes where wildlife can be observed. When planning, keep in mind that paths vary in difficulty and sturdy footwear is needed.
The limestone caves host an unusual mix of oak, pine, olive, and laurel trees growing at different elevations. Some plants flower here almost year-round and attract birds that are rare elsewhere in the Levant.
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