Saint Catherine's Monastery
A holy site with a fascinating history.
Overview
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a holy site located at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt. It is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, having been built in the 6th century. The monastery is surrounded by a wall that was constructed to protect it from attacks by Bedouin tribes. The site covers an area of 18,000 square meters and is home to a collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, and icons. The climate in Saint Catherine’s Monastery is generally warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. The site is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare birds, reptiles, and mammals. Whether you’re a religious pilgrim, a history buff, or simply looking to admire the beautiful architecture and natural scenery.
Things to Do
Climb Mount Sinai: If you’re up for a challenge, a trek up Mount Sinai is a must-do activity. It takes about 3 hours to reach the summit, but the view from the top is breathtaking and well worth the effort.Â
Explore the Library: The library at Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest in the world and is home to over 4,000 ancient manuscripts, including some of the earliest copies of the Bible.
Take a guided tour: A guided tour of the monastery is the best way to learn about its rich history and significance. You’ll get to explore the various chapels, buildings, and museums on site while learning about the monks who have called the monastery home for centuries.
Visit the Burning Bush: According to Christian tradition, the Burning Bush is the spot where Moses received his calling from God. The bush is still alive and can be seen inside the monastery grounds.Â
Attend a Service: The monks at Saint Catherine’s Monastery still maintain their daily religious services, which are open to visitors. Attending a service is a unique and immersive experience that will give you a glimpse into the spiritual life of the monks.
Explore the Gardens: The monastery is home to a variety of beautiful gardens filled with fragrant flowers and herbs. A leisurely stroll through the gardens is a great way to relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery.
What to See
The Chapel of the Burning Bush: This is one of the most important sites in the monastery and is believed to be the location where Moses received his calling from God. The chapel is built around a living bush that is said to be the same one that Moses saw.Â
The Church of the Transfiguration: This is the main church in the monastery and is home to some of the most stunning religious icons in the world. The church is decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible.
The Library: The library at Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest in the world and is home to over 4,000 ancient manuscripts, including some of the earliest copies of the Bible. The library is also home to a collection of rare books and artifacts.Â
The Museum: The monastery has a museum that is filled with a wide variety of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the monastery’s history and significance. The museum is home to a collection of ancient icons, manuscripts, and artifacts.Â
The Gardens: The monastery has several beautiful gardens that are filled with fragrant flowers and herbs. The gardens are a peaceful and tranquil place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.Â
The Bell Tower: The bell tower at Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the tallest structures in the area and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Climbing the bell tower is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the monastery.Â
The Monastery Walls: The walls that surround the monastery are an impressive sight to behold. They were constructed to protect the monastery from attacks by Bedouin tribes and still stand strong today.
Best Time to Visit
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a fascinating holy site that offers different experiences depending on the season you visit. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. In summer, the peak tourist season brings larger crowds, while winter offers a peaceful and quiet experience, albeit with colder temperatures.
Getting there
By Road:Â To reach Saint Catherine’s Monastery by road, you can either choose to self-drive or hire a private transfer. The nearest town is Dahab, which is about 90 kilometers away. The roads leading to the monastery can be winding and steep, so it’s recommended to use a 4×4 vehicle.
By Air:Â If you prefer to fly, the nearest airport is in Sharm El Sheikh, which is about 200 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a private transfer or take a scheduled bus to the monastery.
Planning Your Transportation: Keep in mind that the roads leading to Saint Catherine’s Monastery can be difficult to navigate, so it’s important to plan your transportation carefully and allow for extra time in case of delays. If you choose to self-drive, make sure to use a reliable map or GPS system and be prepared for steep and winding roads.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Monastery Hotel Saint CatherineÂ
Offering a unique experience, this hotel is located within the monastery’s grounds, providing easy access to the historic site. The hotel features simple yet comfortable rooms, some with monastery views, and a restaurant serving traditional meals. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of the monastery.
Morgenland VillageÂ
Situated near Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Morgenland Village offers cozy rooms and chalets with views of the surrounding mountains. The village-style accommodation provides a peaceful retreat for guests after a day of exploring the monastery and nearby attractions.
Â
Luxury Accommodation:
Catherine Plaza HotelÂ
This upscale hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features a restaurant serving international cuisine, a spa, and a swimming pool. Guests can relax in luxury and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sinai Peninsula.
Al Nawatef Camp
For a unique experience, Al Nawatef Camp offers luxury Bedouin-style tents with modern comforts. The camp is located near Saint Catherine’s Monastery and provides a luxurious yet authentic desert experience. Guests can enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Other Attractions in Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Luxor
Alexandria
Hurghada
The Pyramids of Giza
The Valley of the Kings
Abu Simbel
Mount Sinai
Karnak Temples
Pyramids of Djoser
Museum of Egypt
General Knowledge Base
General information about Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Egypt.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery was built in the 6th century.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt.
Saint Catherine was a Christian martyr who was executed for her faith in the early 4th century.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world.
The most valuable possession of Saint Catherine’s Monastery is the Codex Sinaiticus, which is one of the oldest surviving copies of the Bible.
The Chapel of the Burning Bush is a small chapel located within Saint Catherine’s Monastery that is believed to be built on the site where Moses saw the burning bush.
As of now, there are about 20 monks living in Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
The library at Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest and most important libraries in the world, with a collection of over 4,000 manuscripts.
