Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Monastery · Saint Catherine, South Sinai
Saint Catherine's Monastery
Greek Orthodox monastery commissioned by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, at the foot of Mount Sinai, featuring the chapel of the burning bush, ancient icons and a library of manuscripts. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Saint Catherine's Monastery
Saint Catherine’s Monastery lies in the valley at the foot of Mount Sinai, surrounded by granite walls. It was built between 548 and 565 by order of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, on the site where, according to tradition, Moses saw the burning bush. Greek Orthodox monks have lived there ever since.
Inside the walls are the Basilica of the Transfiguration, with the apse mosaic, the Chapel of the Burning Bush—linked by tradition to Empress Helena—and a shrub the monks present as the actual bush. The monastery houses a collection of ancient icons, including one of the earliest known depictions of Christ Pantocrator, and a library of manuscripts and codices from the early centuries of Christianity.
The monastery is sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims, and there is a small mosque within the walls. Together with Mount Sinai and the surrounding mountains, it forms the Saint Catherine area, inscribed by UNESCO in 2002.
Visits take place at scheduled times, and the areas open to the public change; the monastery often closes on Fridays, Sundays and on religious holidays.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour for the basilica, the burning bush and the courtyard; longer if the icon museum is open.
Best time
Soon after descending Mount Sinai in the morning, when the monastery opens. Check visiting days and hours before you go.
How to get there
On foot from the village of Saint Catherine, about 2 km through the valley. Mount Sinai tours finish at the monastery.
Tip
Wear clothing that covers shoulders and legs and confirm opening days in advance, as they change with the religious calendar.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saint Catherine's Monastery
When does Saint Catherine’s Monastery open for visits?
On scheduled periods that vary; it often closes on Fridays, Sundays and religious holidays. Confirm before you go.
What is there to see in Saint Catherine’s Monastery?
The Basilica of the Transfiguration, with the apse mosaic, the Chapel of the Burning Bush, the shrub linked by tradition to the bush, and, when open, the icon museum.
Who built Saint Catherine’s Monastery?
The Byzantine emperor Justinian, between 548 and 565. The monastery is Greek Orthodox and has been inhabited by monks ever since.