Saint Catherine's Monastery, Saint Catherine

Name: Saint Catherine's Monastery
Address: At the Foot of Mount Horeb, Saint Catherine, Egypt
Telephone: +20 69 3470353

#2 among attractions in Saint Catherine

Unesco, Top attraction, Historical place, Sacred and religious sites, More...

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Saint Catherine's Monastery, Saint Catherine

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0 / MJJR / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ahmed Yousry Mahfouz / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Amr.moustafa / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hatem Moushir / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hatem Moushir / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Unknown authorUnknown author / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / DokiC / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt, Saint Catherine's Monastery is a beacon of religious history and architectural splendor. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, with an origin that dates back to the 6th century. Commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it stands as a testament to centuries of monastic life and spiritual devotion.

The monastery is renowned for its incredible collection of religious icons, manuscripts, and art, which includes some of the most ancient and significant Christian texts. Its library houses the second-largest collection of early codices and manuscripts in the world, outnumbered only by the Vatican Library. Among these treasures is the Syriac Sinaiticus, a pivotal piece of Christian history.

The fortified complex is also home to the Burning Bush, a living shrub that many believe is the same bush that appeared to Moses as described in the Book of Exodus. Pilgrims and tourists alike are drawn to this site to witness the bush, which continues to be a symbol of the divine.

Visitors to Saint Catherine's Monastery can explore the richly decorated Basilica of the Transfiguration, which contains remarkable 6th-century mosaics that have survived in excellent condition. The site also offers access to the Chapel of the Burning Bush and the Monastery's museum, which showcases a collection of rare and ancient icons.

For those looking to extend their visit, the surrounding area offers a chance to hike up Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. The mountain's summit provides breathtaking views at sunrise or sunset, making it a popular excursion for those staying at the monastery.

When planning a visit, tourists should be mindful of the monastery's sacred nature and dress modestly. It is important to check the opening hours, as the monastery closes for religious observances and has limited visiting hours. Photography inside the church is not permitted, and women may be asked to cover their heads as a sign of respect.

Local name: دير سانت كاترين Architectural style: Byzantine architectureCoordinates: 28°33'21"N, 33°58'32"E

Address

At the Foot of Mount HorebSaint Catherine Egypt

Contact

+20 69 3470353

Website

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Saint Catherine

Day trips

Saint Catherine's Monastery – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Church of Sinai, Willow Peak, Abu Madi, Saint Katherine Protectorate.

~180 ftSE
Church
Church of Sinai, Saint Catherine
1 min walk • The Church of Sinai is a Greek Orthodox autonomous church whose territory consists of St. Catherine's Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt, along with several dependencies. There is a dispute as to whether the church is fully autocephalous or merely autonomous.
0.5 miW
Mountain
Willow Peak, Mount Sinai
13 min walk • Willow Peak or Ras es-Safsafeh is a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula. The mountain peak overlooks Saint Catherine's Monastery, and is situated approximately 1km to the west. Christian tradition considers the mountain to be the biblical Mount Horeb.
~220 ftSE
Archaeological site
Abu Madi, Mount Sinai
2 min walk • Abu Madi is a cluster of prehistoric, Neolithic tell mounds in Southern Sinai, Egypt. It is located east of Saint Catherine's Monastery at the bottom of a granite ridge. It was suggested to have been a seasonal encampment for groups of hunter gatherers and contained the remains of two major settlements; Abu Madi I and Abu Madi III.
0.7 miSW
Park
Saint Katherine Protectorate, Mount Sinai
18 min walk • St Katherine Protectorate is an Egyptian national park in the south of Sinai. It encloses most of the mountainous area of central South Sinai, including the country's highest mountain, Mount Catherine at 2,629 metres above sea level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Saint Catherine's Monastery?

Nearby attractions include Church of Sinai, Saint Catherine (1 min walk), Abu Madi, Mount Sinai (2 min walk), Willow Peak, Mount Sinai (13 min walk), Saint Katherine Protectorate, Mount Sinai (18 min walk).