To compose an efficient discharge lamp for a general lighting use.

A discharge lamp 11 has a three tubes structure with an inner tube 1, a middle tube 13, and an outer tube 14. A discharge space 16 in which xenon is filled is formed between the inner tube 12 and the middle tube 13. An outer space 17 in which nitrogen is filled is formed between the middle tube 13 and the outer tube 14. Electrodes 21, 22 are provided on an inside surface of the inner tube 12 and on an outside surface of the middle tube 13. A phosphor 26 is provided on an inside surface of the outer tube 14. When an AC voltage is applied to the electrodes 21, 22, ultraviolet rays are generated by mean of a dielectrics barrier discharge. When the ultraviolet rays incident on the phosphor 26, a visible ray is generated.