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Saint Catherine's Monastery: A Timeless Sanctuary

Discover ancient history and religious significance at Saint Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula.

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Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine's Monastery is the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a beacon of history, spirituality, and art, drawing pilgrims and travelers alike.

A brief summary to Saint Catherine's Monastery

Local tips

  • Visit during the last half-hour of opening time (around 11:00 am) to avoid the worst of the crowds.
  • Dress modestly, ensuring your upper arms and knees are covered.
  • Note that the Monastery is closed on Sundays and during Greek Orthodox feast days.
  • Photography is not allowed inside the museum or the main church.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Dahab, Nuweiba, or Sharm El Sheikh, taxis are available to St Catherine. A taxi from Dahab will cost around 450 LE for a one-way trip, which takes approximately 2 hours. A direct taxi from Sharm El Sheikh to St Catherine can cost around 1100 LE. Be prepared to negotiate the fare.

  • Public Transport

    There is a daily bus service from Cairo to St Catherine. The bus departs Cairo at 11 AM and arrives in St Catherine at around 6 PM. For the return journey, the bus leaves St Catherine at 6 AM and reaches Cairo approximately at 1 PM. Tickets cost approximately 115 LE. It's recommended to buy tickets a day in advance in Cairo.

  • Walking

    The monastery is located a few kilometers from the small settlement of Al-Milga. From the center of the village, it is possible to walk to the monastery. The walk is relatively easy, taking approximately 30-40 minutes.

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Discover more about Saint Catherine's Monastery

Saint Catherine's Monastery, officially the Sacred Autonomous Royal Monastery of Saint Catherine of the Holy and God-Trodden Mount Sinai, is a testament to history and faith. Founded in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. The monastery is built around what is believed to be the site of the Burning Bush. For centuries, Saint Catherine's has been a beacon of monastic life, with its towering walls protecting a complex of chapels, courtyards adorned with mosaics and frescoes, and a library housing ancient manuscripts. The monastery is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr whose remains, according to tradition, were discovered nearby. Visitors can explore the Chapel of the Burning Bush, visit the museum to view a selection of the monastery's treasures, and admire the architecture. The monastery's library holds a collection of ancient manuscripts, second only to the Vatican Library. Saint Catherine's is a place of pilgrimage and reflection, offering a unique atmosphere that blends religious devotion with historical significance. The monastery is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 11:30 am every day except Sundays and important feast days of the Greek Orthodox Church. Modest dress is required, with upper arms and knees covered. Photography is not allowed inside the museum or the main church.

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