MONASTERYMonastery
St Catherine's Monastery
28.5500, 33.9700
At the foot of Mount Sinai stands St Catherine's, founded in the 6th century and the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery. Behind fortress-like granite walls it shelters an extraordinary living archive: one of the greatest collections of early icons anywhere, thousands of ancient manuscripts, and a basilica glittering with mosaics.
In the grounds grows the bush revered as the biblical Burning Bush, and the monastery's setting, hemmed by stark mountains, gives it a hushed, timeless power. Greek Orthodox monks still keep the daily round of prayer here.
Many visitors combine it with the pre-dawn climb of Mount Sinai, arriving at the monastery as it opens.
Know before you go
Opening hours are short, usually mornings and closed on Sundays and major religious holidays, so arrive early, dress modestly, and check the day's schedule before making the trip out.