St. Catherine’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery situated at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt. The monastery is entitled after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr who was beheaded in the 4th century.

The monastery was constructed by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, and it is considered to be one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. It has always been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and is famous for its library, which contains some of the oldest and most important Christian manuscripts in the world.

St. Catherine’s Monastery has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002 and is considered to be one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Egypt.

How to explore St. Catherine’s Monastery?

– The church is the central attraction of the monastery and has an impressive interior with beautiful paintings and icons. It is open during certain hours of the day.

– The monastery has one of the oldest and most important libraries in the world, with over 4,000 ancient manuscripts and books. You are not allowed to enter the library, but you can view some of the manuscripts on display.

– Mount Sinai is a popular destination for hikers and pilgrims. The hike to the summit takes about 3-4 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

– Visit the Burning Bush, a biblical site located near the monastery, where Moses is said to have received his calling from God. It is located in a small chapel and is a popular destination for you to visit.

– You can also take guided tours of the monastery and learn about its history and significance.

– You are welcome to attend services at the monastery’s church, which are conducted in Greek and Arabic.

– The monastery has a gift shop for you to buy souvenirs such as religious icons, books, and handicrafts made by the monks.