Overview:

The Monastery of Saint Catherine is a Greek Orthodox monastery located at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt. The original monastery was founded by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565), in honor of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. According to tradition, the monastery is also the place where Moses saw the Burning Bush. Over the centuries, the monastery has been a destination of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is maintained by the Greek Orthodox Church largely in its original form. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai is located at the base of Mount Sinai in Egypt. This ancient monastery is the oldest working Christian monastery in the world and is the traditional site of the burning bush seen by Moses, described in the Bible. It was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 527 AD and is known for its rich tradition and many unique artistic and religious works. It is the home to a religious community of monks and nuns and has an impressive library with many ancient manuscripts. The monastery is also the custodian of a purported fragment of the True Cross and the skull of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It is a popular pilgrimage destination and houses several breathtaking shrines, including the Chapel of the Transfiguration. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Monastery of St. Catherine, located on the edge of Egypt's Sinai Desert, is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Records indicate that the monastery was founded by Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. According to Greek Orthodox tradition, the monastery was built around the site where the Burning Bush from the bible is believed to have been located. The monastery is known for hosting several important Christian relics, such as a 10th-century icon of the Virgin Mary and an icon of Christ which is believed to be painted by St. Luke. The relic which the monastery is most known for was discovered here in the 19th century. It is said to be a piece of the True Cross brought to the monastery by the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, in the 4th century. As the oldest active monastery in the world the Monastery of St. Catherine holds a unique place in the history of Christianity. For centuries, pilgrims have come here to venerate the relics and pray at the Burning Bush. The monastery has also been visited by several heads of state, including Pope John Paul II in 2000. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. It is the oldest continuously operating monastery in the world, established sometime between 558 and 565 AD, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. The Monastery of St. Catherine contains an icon of the Virgin Mary, said to have been painted by Saint Luke himself. 3. Its library is one of the oldest in the world, with some of its manuscripts dating back to the 4th century. 4. The monastery holds Moses' Burning Bush, which purportedly marks the place where he spoke with God. 5. The 6th-century Church of Transfiguration is believed to have been built with stones from the mountain on which Moses is said to have seen God. 6. It is known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, as well as its 6th-century icons and frescos. 7. The Monastery of St. Catherine is a major pilgrimage site for Coptic, Orthodox and Roman Catholics alike. 8. The monastery is the traditional home of the Sacred Fire, which is lit every year at Easter. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era