Lebeniya

Were the “cooling towers” of the oil refinery once the tallest structures around? Many visitors to Lebeniya often ask that question. They are certainly imposing, standing as silent sentinels over the bustling city of Haifa. Lebeniya, or the “White Tower”, as it is sometimes called, was built in the 1930s as part of a massive oil refinery complex. These twin towers stand 80 meters tall, an impressive feat for their time. They served as a vital part of the refinery’s cooling system, but are now unused. Before the construction of modern skyscrapers, these towers dominated the Haifa skyline. They were, in fact, the tallest buildings erected during the British Mandate period! They stand as a testament to Haifa’s industrial past, a reminder of the days when the city was known as a center of heavy industry. Their stark white form, visible from many parts of Haifa, offers a powerful contrast to the vibrant blue of the Mediterranean Sea. In the years since the refinery has modernized, Lebeniya’s function has become obsolete, but its iconic presence remains. They are a constant in the ever-changing landscape, a link to the city’s industrial heritage.