The Saint Catherines Monastery

The Saint Catherine Orthodox Monastery is located at the base of Mount Horeb, where Moses is said to have received the Tablets of the Law according to the Old Testament. Muslims refer to the mountain as Jebel Musa and it holds significance for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.This Monastery, established in the 6th century, is the oldest Christian monastery still in operation. Its walls and buildings are important for studying Byzantine architecture, and it houses valuable collections of early Christian manuscripts and icons. The surrounding mountainous landscape, with its archaeological and religious sites, provides a beautiful setting for the Monastery.

The Saint Catherine Area holds great spiritual importance for Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It is home to one of the oldest and most remarkable Christian monasteries in the world, which has continuously served its monastic purpose since the 6th century. The Byzantine walls safeguard a collection of buildings that are significant for the study of Byzantine architecture and Christian spirituality. Additionally, the complex showcases remarkable Byzantine art and houses exceptional collections of manuscripts and icons.

The Church of the Transfiguration, located inside the walled compound, is a beautifully decorated church from the 6th century. It has a central area with large marble columns and walls adorned with golden icons and paintings. St Catherine's remains are buried here, but visitors are not allowed to access this area. The most impressive artistic treasure of the monastery, the mosaic of the Transfiguration from the 6th century, is situated high in the apse above the altar. However, it can be challenging to see it due to the presence of chandeliers and the iconostasis. On the left side and below the altar, there is the holiest part of the monastery, the Chapel of the Burning Bush, which is not open to the public.

A descendant of the original burning bush can be observed in the monastery compound. However, the area around it has been fenced off because visitors used to cut branches from the bush as blessings. Close to the burning bush.

The Burning Bush can be found at Saint Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula, near Moses Mountain. According to tradition, this is believed to be the original Burning Bush mentioned in the Bible. Christian hermits initially gathered at Mount Serbal, thinking it was the biblical Mount Sinai. It is said that God spoke to Moses at this location, instructing him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Some skeptics may doubt its authenticity, but it is the only bush of its kind in the entire peninsula, and attempts to grow cuttings from it elsewhere have failed. The bush was relocated to its current position when Helena's chapel was constructed over its roots, behind the apse of St Catherine's church. It remains a popular attraction for Christian pilgrims visiting the Sinai region.

There is the Well of Moses, a natural spring believed to bring marital happiness to those who drink from it. The Monastery Museum, located above the Well of Moses, is the main attraction during a visit to the monastery. It has been beautifully restored and showcases a variety of artistic treasures from the monastery. These treasures include stunning Byzantine-era icons from its renowned collection, as well as precious chalices, gold and silver crosses, and ancient manuscripts. One of the most valuable exhibits in the museum is the Codex Sinaiticus, which contains parchments from the world's oldest near-complete bible. The displays in the museum are labelled in both Arabic and English for visitors to appreciate.

The world's second largest library in the monastery now welcomes the public again after three years of restoration. It houses a valuable assortment of illuminated bibles and ancient manuscripts, including a handwritten version of the New Testament. Within the monastery walls, there is a shop where you can purchase replicas of icons.

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