Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai

Saint Catherine's Monastery stands in a high valley among the granite mountains of the southern Sinai, at the foot of the peak long identified with the biblical Mount Sinai, and it is one of the oldest continuously working Christian monasteries in the world, founded in the sixth century. Behind its fortress walls it holds an extraordinary library of ancient manuscripts and one of the greatest collections of early icons anywhere, and in its courtyard grows a bush venerated as the descendant of the burning bush. Sacred to Christians, Muslims and Jews alike, it draws pilgrims and travellers. Many combine the visit with the climb up Mount Sinai itself, a walk of a few hours on the camel path or the steep Steps of Repentance, timed to reach the summit for sunrise over a sea of jagged peaks, one of the classic experiences of Egypt.

What you actually see

• The monastery - the ancient fortified walls, church and famed collection of early icons.
• The burning bush - the venerated bush growing in the monastery courtyard.
• Mount Sinai at sunrise - the pre-dawn climb to the summit for the sunrise over the peaks.
• The mountain landscape - the stark granite ranges of the high southern Sinai.

When to go

October to April is the cool season; the summit is cold before dawn at any time of year, so the sunrise climb needs warm layers even in summer. The monastery keeps limited visiting hours and closes on some religious days, so check before going. The night climb is timed to reach the top just before sunrise.

Honest expectations

The monastery is open to visitors for only a few hours in the mornings and closes on certain feast days, so timing is tight; check current hours and any access conditions in the wider Sinai before travelling. The Mount Sinai climb, though non-technical, is a long pre-dawn walk in cold and dark, tiring and not for everyone. It is an active monastery, so modest dress and quiet respect are expected.

Nearby

The Red Sea resorts of Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh are the usual bases; the coloured canyons of the Sinai lie nearby.