From the XI century the Monastery was dedicated to the memory of Saint Katherine, a young lady of Alexandria who in the beginning of the IV century converted to Christianity. Her faith was so deep she convinced lots of people, including the royal family, to embrace this religion. She was captured and killed, and her body disappeared.

Three hundred years later she appeared in a dream to some Monks wearing a white tunic. It was a celestial vision, with deep meaning entrusted to the faith. The Monks understood the message and climbed the near mount saw in the dream and there, they found Saint Katherine’s body. From that time, both the Mount, and the Monastery took her name.

In the Monastery there is a Basilica dedicated to Saint Katherine, well known for the Transfiguration mosaic, and to represent a small jewel of the Orthodox Christianity art.

Like a treasure box, the Monastery encloses in its walls other interesting things of rare importance and beauty like a collection of more than 2000 Russians icons, and even a mosque built by the Monks as a symbol of peace and brotherhood and a library, which in terms of importance of texts, is second to the Vatican one.

At the Monastery you will also see the Burning Bush, where accordingly with the Bible, God said to Moses: “Do not come too near! And remove your sandals, because the place where you step is Holy Land” (Exodus 3:5).

Built at the feet of Saint Katherine and Moses Mounts, the two highest peacks in Sinai, the Monastery is an interesting haven of cult and peace chosen since ancient times by hermits, pilgrims and prophets.

On the way back to Sharm, you will make a visit in Dahab.

When: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – 7.00 am/5.00 pm