Saint Catherine Monastery, Egypt

From series “The Unesco World Heritage Sites in Africa”

4 out of 15 - Asante Traditional Buildings, Ghana

5 out of 15 - Ancient Thebes Necropolis, Egypt

7 out of 15 - Saint Catherine Monastery, Egypt

9 out of 15 - Sangha Trinational, Cameroon - Central African Republic - Congo

Year: 4th century.

In the center of the Sinai peninsula is a unique religious landmark - the monastery of St. Catherine. This monastery was founded in the 4th century and has existed for more than one and a half thousand years, which makes it one of the oldest monasteries in the world. The monastery was built on order of Emperor Justinian I. It was originally called the Transfiguration Monastery, and acquired its present name only in the 11th century. The monastery has been a traditional Christian pilgrimage site for many centuries. The main artifact preserved in it are the relics of Saint Catherine.

Every day an access to the relics is open at a certain time. Christians from all over the world come here to worship the unique Christian relics. The beautiful monastery is also interesting from an architectural point of view. Above all, it is remarkable for its splendid decoration. When the monastery was designed, rare marble was used, a number of ancient mosaics and other ornaments were preserved.

The basilica nave has retained its original form. And at the entrance to the Narthex one can see fine carvings made of Lebanon cedar. In addition to the beautiful basilica, the nearby Chapel of the Burning Bush is worth visiting. According to the biblical legend, the chapel was built where the God spoke with Moses. Among other interesting monastic buildings, the well of Moses is worth mentioning, as well as numerous chapels and a refectory, which has remained unchanged since the 11th century. The walls of the refectory are decorated with ancient frescoes, which are considered to be the most valuable artwork.

Next - Mana Pools Park

Memphis Necropolis, Egypt

Mana Pools Park, Zimbabwe

Back to the start “The Unesco World Heritage Sites in Africa”

Saint Catherine Monastery - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Banque Misr' located in 3.01 km (

check the route on the map).

Fuel station: 'Watanya Gas Station' in 47 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'St. Catherine Plaza Restaurant' in 2.58 km

Nearest airports:
» St. Catherine International Airport SKV - in 15 km

» Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport SSH - in 76 km

» Taba Int Airport TCP - in 139 km

» Hurghada International Airport HRG - in 145 km

» Aqaba King Hussein Airport AQJ - in 147 km

Patriotism has died. Famous Abandoned Military Bases and Forts

Space bombers. Largest Meteorite Craters on Earth

Cities nearby

» Guide to Dahab

» Hotels in Dahab

» Car rent in Dahab

» Guide to Sharm el-Sheikh

» Cuisine & restaurants

» Traditions & mentality

» Attractions & nightlife

» Tips for tourists

» Hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh

» Guest houses

» Bed & Breakfast

» Apartments

» Hostels

» Car rent in Sharm el-Sheikh

» Limousines

» Guide to Aqaba

» Culture & art

» Attractions & nightlife

» Hotels in Aqaba

» Car rent in Aqaba

Best hotels near Saint Catherine Monastery

Desert Fox Camp

Located in 1 km from Saint Catherine Monastery
Route on the map:

Rooms: 37

The simply furnished accommodation is fitted with carpeted and cool tiled floors. Each one features a window and a table. They all have shared … More: photo, rates and booking

"St. Catherine Village, Wadi El Raha"

Located in 2 km from Saint Catherine Monastery
Route on the map:

Rooms: 116

… More: photo, rates and booking

Mercure Dahab Bay View

Located in 49 km from Saint Catherine Monastery
Route on the map:

Rooms: 217

Mercure Dahab's rooms are air-conditioned and have a balcony with sea view. Each room is equipped with a TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom with … More: photo, rates and booking

Surf Apartment

Located in 50 km from Saint Catherine Monastery
Route on the map:

Rooms: 1

The apartments at Surf Apartment are simply decorated and include both air conditioning and heating. Each is furnished with tiled floors and boasts a … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

144 km - Eilat

From the series 'Remains of the First Ancient Cities'

The Israeli city of Eilat is known to many travelers for its beautiful beaches and luxury hotels. Not everyone knows that this city is one of the oldest in the world. The port city was founded thousands of years ago. It was known as Etzion Gever in ancient times. The …

146 km - The Red Sea Star

From the series 'The Most Extraordinary Bars and Café on the Planet'

The original bar with romantic name "The Red Sea Star" is situated in Eilat and attracts visitors by its location. The bar is under the water. It is built in the starfish form and decorated in the sea style. During the relaxation, the visitors of the bar can sit by the …

180 km - Wadi Rum Desert

From the series 'Top 11 Most Unusual Deserts on the Planet'

Jordan can boast with the amazing desert of Wadi Rum that has gained international fame thanks to its unique Martian landscape. The area of this stony desert is more than 740 square km. Famous contemporary films like Red Planet, Martian, Transformers, The Last …

219 km - Tomb of Aaron

From the series 'The Surviving Artifacts of Jewish Civilization'

Another sacred object that is amazing from the historical point of view is the tomb of Aaron that travelers can visit in Jordan. This monument is located near the city of Petra, in a remote mountainous area. A special physical training is not required to get to the top …

242 km - Cave Bar

From the series 'The Most Extraordinary Bars and Café on the Planet'

If you are fond of cave bars you have to visit the bar in Petra, Jordan. It is located on the territory of the unique hotel "Crowne Plaza Resor". The hotel and bar have become known all over the world due to their location – an antique cave. It was made by Nabateans, …

247 km - Little Petra Caves

From the series 'Famous Stables of Ancient People'

Little Petra Caves have placed near the Petra city, Jordan. Right here were found the unique marks on the wall painting. The paintings were made in the Hellenistic style more than two thousand years ago. It took three years to restore the paintings. ##It is hard to …

Top destination around Saint Catherine Monastery - Sinai

Anyway, whatever tour you choose, there is always the same program. It is usually a boat trip with several stops in those places where the corals are closest to the surface. The yacht stops and tourists go to enjoy the beauty with the instructor. The rental of snorkelling equipment and soft drinks on board are usually included in the price of the tour. You will be served lunch from the cook and offered to rent to an underwater camera.

It is needless to say that the waters of South Sinai are perfect for diving. Even if you have never tried diving, you can undergo diving training and get an international license which will allow you to swim everywhere in the world. Don’t miss the chance to admire rich flora and fauna which amazed famous Jacques Yves Cousteau. If you don’t have enough time for diving, snorkelling is the best choice for you. Ras um Sid, Blue Hole, Na'ama Bay, and Terrazzina Beach are perfect for these activities. You can get acquainted with the land inhabitants of the southern Sinai in three national parks. Natural Park of Abu Galum and Ras Muhammad National Park keep their doors open to tour groups and individual travellers.
Read further...

OrangeSmile.com - online travel reservation expert providing reliable car rental and hotel booking services. We feature more than 25.000 destinations with 12.000 rental offices and 200.000 hotels worldwide.

Secure Server

OrangeSmile B.V. - Hotel Booking Worldwide

Head office: Weegschaalstraat 3 Eindhoven, 5632 CW Netherlands

+31 40 40 150 44