Image by: Egypt Tourism Authority

St Catherines Monastery
Saint Catherine’s monastery was constructed between years 527 and 565 by Helena, the mother of Constantine-I, on the order of Emperor Justinian. The Saint Catherine’s monastery was built to enclose the Chapel of Burning Bush. The mythology is that the Moses has seen the burning bush where Saint Catherine’s monastery is located. It is is a sacred place for Judaism, Christians and Islam religions. St Catherine’s Monastery is located on the Sinai Peninsula, at the base of Mount Sinai, in inaccessible gorges between El-Tih desert, Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba. It is situated at 4854 feet from sea level and the area around the monastery is mainly of built granite rocks and mountains.

The original name of the Saint Catherine’s Monastery was Monastery of the Transfiguration. It is believed that relics of St Catherine of Alexandria were purportedly miraculously transported to the site where the present St Catherine’s monastery is situated. This has made the place a site for pilgrimage.

Mohammed is believed to have given protection to the monastery after monastery gave him protection (political asylum) from his enemies. The document ratifying this fact is available within monastery. A Fatimid Mosque is built within the walls of the St Catherine’s monastery. These two aspects, protection granted by Mohammed and building of Fatimid mosque in the walls of monastery, St Catherine’s monastery survived for many centuries despite Islamic dominance in the region. The Mosque built within the walls of St Catherine’s monastery is incorrectly oriented with Mecca, so is not in use and has been sealed.

When the isolated anchorites were eliminated during the 7th century, St Catherine’s monastery was left untouched. The monastery is preserved by massive fortifications surrounding it. Till the beginning of previous century the entry to St Catherine’s monastery was through a high door in the walls. After the time of crusaders, the number of European Christians visiting St Catherine’s monastery has greatly increased. Dependencies in Palestine, Crete, Egypt, Cyprus and Syria support St Catherine’s monastery.

The library in the monastery is huge, considered to be the second largest library in the world. The library preserves various manuscripts and codices collection of early ages with texts collection in many languages such as Arabic, Syriac, Armenian, Greek, Hebrew and Coptic. The library complex is decorated with works of mosaic arts which is irreplaceable. Russian icons and Greek paintings add to the beauty of the library house. Sacerdotal ornaments, reliquaries and chalices are also used in the house complex of library. Many icons preserved in St Catherine’s monastery library are from 5th and 6th century. The Old Testament icon, considered to be oldest in the world is also preserved in the library. Efforts are being made by St Catherine’s monastery library management to index the works preserved in the library.

St Catherine’s Monastery also comprises an Orthodox Church of Mount Sinai. This is a autonomous church headed by an archbishop. The archbishop of the Church is also the abbot of the St Catherine’s Monastery.

Prices

Thomsons St Catherines Monastery & Dahab shopping £36

Longwood St Catherines Monastery £28