Sinai

The Monastery of Saint Catherine and Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) are two most famous sites in the 4,350 square kilometers Protectorate of Saint Catherine. Established in 1996, the Protectorate contains a wealth of cultural, natural and religious history. The unique high altitude desert ecosystem and the religious landscape are intertwined with local Bedouin life and culture. St. Catherine’s Monastery has been one of the great centers of religious pilgrimage for over fifteen centuries.

The site includes important religious and historical structures, a 6th century church reputed to sit on the site of the burning bush, and a library of ancient manuscripts and icons (second only to the collection of the Vatican). Also located there are Arab mosaics, paintings and ornaments.

Inside the walls of the monastery lies the Fatimid Mosque.

The monastery itself was built by Emperor Justinian to protect monks in the region and to honor the site of the burning bush. Mount Sinai is believed to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.