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Saint Catherine's Monastery
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Landmark
Saint Catherine's Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world. Established between 548 and 565 AD by order of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was built on the site where Moses is traditionally believed to have seen the Burning Bush. The monastery is enclosed by massive granite walls reaching heights of up to 15 meters, originally designed to protect the monks and their treasures. Its library is of immense global significance, housing more than 3,300 ancient manuscripts in various languages, including Greek, Syriac, and Arabic. The site also contains an unparalleled collection of early Byzantine icons dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, it remains a major pilgrimage destination for Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Deir Al Arbain · Abo Jeefa Viewpoint · St Catherine Protectorate Visitor Center
- Nearby: El Tor (49 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Saint Catherine's Monastery is open to visitors, with the church and a small part of the monastery accessible. The monks' quarters remain private.
Typical hours
Opening hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, closed on Fridays, Sundays and Orthodox holidays. It is strongly advised to check current times beforehand.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed inside the church and museum, but without flash. In some interior spaces, photography may be entirely prohibited.
Time needed
Visiting the monastery including the museum and church takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Those who also want to climb Mount Moses should add half a day.
Combine with
Climbing Mount Moses and visiting the monastery form the classic combination in this area. Other sights include the Church of Saint George and the Ottoman fort.
Getting there
The monastery is about two hours from Dahab and Sharm El-Sheikh. It is usually reached by bus or rental car on a well-maintained road.
Insider tip
Arrive early, as queues at the gate can be long - tour buses from resort towns usually arrive around 9:15 AM. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered.
Geography
Facts
- The monastery is situated at an elevation of 1,570 meters above sea level.
- It houses the largest collection of Christian icons in the world.
- The current structure was completed during the reign of Justinian I (527-565 AD).
- The library's collection is second only to the Vatican in size.
- The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002.
- The fortress walls reach a maximum height of 15 meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Saint Catherine's Monastery (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Saint Catherine's Monastery?
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM; closed on Fridays, Sundays, and holidays.
What is the 'Burning Bush'?
A plant in the monastery courtyard which, according to the Bible, stands where God spoke to Moses.
Is there a strict dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered (long pants or skirts).
How do you get there from Sharm El-Sheikh?
By bus or taxi; the drive through the desert takes about 3 hours.
Is photography allowed inside the church?
Photography is mostly prohibited inside the main church and the museum.
Saint Catherine's Monastery: where is it located?
Saint Catherine's Monastery is located in Egypt.
Saint Catherine's Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Deir Al Arbain, Abo Jeefa Viewpoint, St Catherine Protectorate Visitor Center.
Saint Catherine's Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Saint Catherine's Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
Saint Catherine's Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world.
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