Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience in Egypt? Do you want to explore the rich history and culture of one of the oldest and most sacred places in the world? If yes, then you should definitely visit Saint Catherine Monastery in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
Saint Catherine Monastery is the oldest continuously operating Christian monastery in the world, dating back to the 6th century AD. It is located at the foot of Mount Sinai, where according to the Bible, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. The monastery is also home to a stunning collection of ancient manuscripts, icons, and relics, as well as a beautiful church, chapel, library, museum, and gardens.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and practical guide on how to visit Saint Catherine Monastery in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. We will cover everything you need to know, such as the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, what to pack, and what to expect. We will also answer some frequently asked questions and share some tips and recommendations based on our personal experience and expert advice.
Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at Saint Catherine Monastery. So, let’s get started!
History and Architecture
Saint Catherine Monastery was founded by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD, as a fortress to protect the monks and pilgrims who came to worship at the site of the Burning Bush, where Moses spoke to God. The monastery was named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th century martyr whose relics were miraculously transported to the monastery by angels.
The monastery has survived centuries of invasions, wars, earthquakes, and fires, thanks to its strategic location, strong walls, and diplomatic relations with various rulers and authorities. It has also preserved a remarkable treasure of ancient manuscripts, icons, and relics, second only to the Vatican Library in importance and value.
The main features and elements of the monastery are:
The Walls and Gates: The monastery is surrounded by a massive wall that is 11 meters high and 2.5 meters thick, with seven gates and 12 towers. The main gate is the Gate of Justinian, which is opened every morning and closed every evening by the monks. The other gates are used for different purposes, such as the Gate of the Camel, which is used to transport supplies by camel, or the Gate of Repentance, which is used by exiled monks who seek forgiveness.
The Church of the Transfiguration: The church is the oldest and most sacred part of the monastery, built over the site of the Burning Bush, where Moses spoke to God. The church has a basilica plan, with a nave, two aisles, and an apse. The church is decorated with magnificent mosaics, paintings, and carvings, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. The church also contains the Chapel of the Burning Bush, where the actual bush is still alive and growing, protected by a silver screen.
The Library: The library is one of the most valuable and impressive collections of ancient manuscripts in the world, containing more than 3,000 handwritten books and 6,000 documents in various languages, such as Greek, Arabic, Syriac, Georgian, and Armenian. The library also contains the Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest and most complete copies of the Bible, dating back to the 4th century AD.
The Museum: The museum is a newer addition to the monastery, opened in 2009, to display and preserve some of the monastery’s priceless artifacts, such as icons, relics, vestments, liturgical objects, and jewelry. The museum showcases the artistic and cultural diversity and richness of the monastery, as well as its historical and religious significance.
The Gardens: The gardens are a testament to the monks’ skill and dedication in cultivating and maintaining a green oasis in the middle of the desert. The gardens produce a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, as well as honey and olive oil. The gardens also provide a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for the visitors and the monks alike.
You can admire the beauty and uniqueness of the monastery by taking a guided tour, which is included in the entrance fee. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, and covers the main attractions of the monastery, such as the church, the chapel, the library, and the museum. You can also attend a religious service, which is held every day at 9 am and 4 pm, and experience the solemn and spiritual ambiance of the monastery.
How to Visit
If you are planning to visit Saint Catherine Monastery in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, you need to consider some important factors, such as the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, what to pack, and what to expect. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you with your visit:
The best time to visit Saint Catherine Monastery is between October and April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. The monastery is open every day except Friday and Sunday, from 9 am to 12 pm. The entrance fee is 25 Egyptian pounds (about 1.5 USD) per person, and includes a guided tour. You need to bring your passport or ID card to enter the monastery.
The easiest way to get to Saint Catherine Monastery is by joining a tour from Sharm el Sheikh, which is about 220 km (137 miles) away. The tour usually includes transportation by bus or car, a bedouin guide, a visit to the monastery, a hike to Mount Sinai, and a breakfast at a local restaurant. The tour costs about 30 USD per person, and lasts about 14 hours. You can book the tour online or through your hotel or travel agency.
Alternatively, you can get to Saint Catherine Monastery by yourself, by taking a bus from Sharm el Sheikh to Dahab, and then another bus from Dahab to Saint Catherine. The bus ride takes about 4 hours, and costs about 10 USD per person. You can also hire a taxi or a car from Sharm el Sheikh or Dahab, which will cost you about 50 USD per person. However, you need to arrange your own bedouin guide, which is mandatory for visiting the monastery and hiking to Mount Sinai. You can find a bedouin guide at the town of Saint Catherine, which is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the monastery. The guide will charge you about 15 USD per person, and will provide you with a flashlight, a blanket, and a camel if needed.
If you want to stay overnight near Saint Catherine Monastery, you have several options, such as hotels, guesthouses, camps, or monasteries. The hotels are the most comfortable and convenient option, offering private rooms, bathrooms, hot water, electricity, wifi, and breakfast. The guesthouses are more basic and cheaper, offering shared rooms, bathrooms, and facilities. The camps are the most adventurous and authentic option, offering tents, mattresses, blankets, and bonfires. The monasteries are the most spiritual and peaceful option, offering simple rooms, bathrooms, and meals. You can book your accommodation online or through your bedouin guide. The prices range from 10 to 50 USD per night, depending on the type and quality of the accommodation.
The main activity to do at Saint Catherine Monastery is to hike to Mount Sinai, where according to the Bible, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. The hike is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering stunning views of the sunrise and the surrounding landscape. The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your fitness level and the route you choose. There are two routes to reach the summit of Mount Sinai, which is 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) high. The first route is the Camel Trail, which is easier and shorter, but less scenic. The second route is the Steps of Repentance, which is harder and longer, but more scenic. You can choose either route, or combine them, depending on your preference and ability. The best time to start the hike is around 2 am, so that you can reach the summit before sunrise, which is around 6 am. You can also visit the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which is located at the summit, and where a Greek Orthodox monk lives and prays.
Another activity to do at Saint Catherine Monastery is to explore the town of Saint Catherine, which is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the monastery. The town is a small and charming place, where you can experience the local culture and lifestyle of the bedouin people, who are the original inhabitants of the area. You can visit the Bedouin Heritage Museum, which displays the history, traditions, and crafts of the bedouin community. You can also visit the Bedouin Market, which sells a variety of souvenirs, such as carpets, jewelry, spices, and herbs. You can also try some local cuisine, such as bread, cheese, honey, dates, tea, or coffee, at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the town.
The local cuisine at Saint Catherine Monastery is simple but delicious, consisting mainly of bread, cheese, honey, dates, tea, and coffee. These are the staple foods of the bedouin people, who live in harmony with nature and use what the land provides. You can try these foods at the monastery’s cafeteria, or at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the town of Saint Catherine. You can also sample some other dishes, such as foul (fava beans), taameya (falafel), shakshouka (eggs with tomatoes), or koshary (rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce), which are common in Egyptian cuisine.
The essential items to pack for your visit to Saint Catherine Monastery are warm clothes, hiking shoes, flashlight, water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera. The weather at the monastery can be very cold, especially at night and in the winter, so you need to dress in layers and bring a jacket, a scarf, and gloves. The hike to Mount Sinai can be very steep and rocky, so you need to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight for the dark. You also need to stay hydrated and energized, and protect yourself from the sun and the wind, so you need to bring enough water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera. You can also rent or buy some of these items from the bedouin guides or the shops in the town.
The main thing to expect from your visit to Saint Catherine Monastery is a memorable and meaningful experience that will enrich your mind, body, and soul. You will learn about the history and culture of one of the oldest and most sacred places in the world, and admire the beauty and diversity of its architecture and artifacts. You will also enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the desert and the mountains, and witness the spectacular sunrise and sunset. You will also interact with the friendly and hospitable bedouin people, who will share their stories and traditions with you. You will also feel the spiritual and mystical atmosphere of the monastery and Mount Sinai, and connect with your inner self and the divine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common or specific questions that potential visitors may have about Saint Catherine Monastery, and their answers:
Q: How much does it cost to visit Saint Catherine Monastery?
A: The entrance fee to the monastery is 25 Egyptian pounds (about 1.5 USD) per person, and includes a guided tour. The bedouin guide for the hike to Mount Sinai costs about 15 USD per person, and provides a flashlight, a blanket, and a camel if needed. The accommodation near the monastery ranges from 10 to 50 USD per night, depending on the type and quality. The food and drinks at the monastery or the town are very cheap, costing about 1 to 5 USD per meal. The transportation from Sharm el Sheikh to the monastery costs about 10 USD per person by bus, or 50 USD per person by taxi or car. The tour from Sharm el Sheikh to the monastery costs about 30 USD per person, and includes everything except the accommodation.
Q: What is the dress code for visiting Saint Catherine Monastery?
A: The dress code for visiting Saint Catherine Monastery is modest and respectful, as it is a religious and cultural site. You need to cover your shoulders, knees, and chest, and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or tight-fitting clothes. You also need to remove your shoes before entering the church or the chapel, and wear a headscarf if you are a woman. You can bring your own clothes, or borrow some from the monastery or the bedouin guides.
Q: Can I take photos at Saint Catherine Monastery?
A: You can take photos at Saint Catherine Monastery, except inside the church, the chapel, the library, and the museum, where photography is strictly prohibited. You also need to ask for permission before taking photos of the monks or the bedouin people, and respect their privacy and dignity. You also need to be careful not to damage or disturb any of the monastery’s artifacts or plants, and follow the rules and instructions of the guides and the staff.
Q: What are the security measures at Saint Catherine Monastery?
A: Saint Catherine Monastery is a safe and secure place to visit, as it is protected by the Egyptian government and the bedouin community. However, you still need to be cautious and vigilant, as there may be some risks or dangers, such as scams, theft, accidents, or injuries. You need to keep your valuables and documents with you at all times, and avoid leaving them unattended or in the hands of strangers. You also need to follow the advice and guidance of your bedouin guide, and stay on the marked trails and paths. You also need to inform the authorities or the staff if you encounter any problems or emergencies, and seek medical attention if needed.
Q: What are the special events at Saint Catherine Monastery?
A: Saint Catherine Monastery hosts some special events throughout the year, such as religious festivals, cultural celebrations, and musical concerts. Some of the most notable events are:
The Feast of Saint Catherine, which is celebrated on November 25, and commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The monastery holds a solemn procession, a liturgy, and a feast, and opens its doors to the public and the pilgrims.
The Feast of the Transfiguration, which is celebrated on August 6, and commemorates the transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Sinai. The monastery holds a vigil, a liturgy, and a blessing, and displays some of its most precious icons and relics.
The Sinai Festival, which is held in April, and celebrates the culture and heritage of the Sinai region. The festival features various activities and performances, such as music, dance, poetry, crafts, and sports, and showcases the diversity and talent of the bedouin people.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive and practical guide on how to visit Saint Catherine Monastery in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. We hope you have learned about the history and culture of one of the oldest and most sacred places in the world, and enjoyed the natural beauty and tranquility of the desert and the mountains. We hope you have also interacted with the friendly and hospitable bedouin people, and felt the spiritual and mystical atmosphere of the monastery and Mount Sinai.
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience in Egypt, you should definitely visit Saint Catherine Monastery. It will enrich your mind, body, and soul, and leave you with lasting memories and impressions.
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