Saint Catherine

Saint Catherine is a city in the South Sinai Governorate of Egypt

Venerated by Christians, Jews and Muslims as the site of God’s revelation of the Ten Commandments, St Catherine is where Moses is said to have heard God speaking to him.

St. Catherine is a Protected Area as a World Heritage site, covering 5,750sq. km (1,062sq. miles). Despite its high altitude St. Catherine, supports a surprising diversity of wildlife, some found nowhere else in the world. The protected area also includes the highest mountains in Egypt. There are around 1,000 plant species, representing almost 40% of Egypt’s total flora. Out of the 46 reptile species, 15 are found only here. Other species include geckos, agamids, skunks, hedgehogs, hares, Sinai leopards and rock hyrax.

What to see:

St Catherine Monastery, founded in the 6th Century AD, is a Greek Orthodox monastery with a rich heritage in architecture and art that draws pilgrims from all over the world. Situated at an altitude of 1,480m (4,854 ft), the monastery sits in a picturesque gorge at the foot of Moses’ Mountain. It is famous for Moses’ well, the Burning Bush and the Icons Museum.

Mount Sinai, or Moses’ Mountain, is believed to be the site of God’s revelation of the Ten Commandments. It overlooks the valley where Moses is said to have heard God’s voice from the Burning Bush. The second highest of Egypt’s mountains, Moses’ Mountain provides an unforgettable hike to its summits and offers a taste of the magnificence of Sinai’s mountainous region.

St Catherine Mountain.Egypt’s highest peak, standing at 2,637m (8,655 ft). Its name is given due to the body of St Catherine being found on its peak.

The plain of El-Raha, meaning ‘resting place’, is believed to be where Aaron and the Israelites made the Golden Calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai. Golden Calf is also a name given to a rock in the shape of a calf which is believed to have been the mould for the Israelites’ idol.

Surrounded by a green belt of olive and cypress trees, The Monastery of the 40 Martyrs was constructed in the 6th century in honour of the 40 Christian martyrs who died in Sebaste (central Turkey).

The Seven Girls’ Monastery lies in Sinai’s largest oasis – Feiran Oasis. This is believed to be the location of the biblical Rephidim, where Joshua defeated the Amalekites whilst Moses and Aaron offered prayerful support. The convent was established in the 4th Century.

Halfway up the Forty Martyrs’ valley is Moses’ Rock, or Hajar Mousa.

The Chapel of the Birth of the Holy Virgin sits right next to it. The rock with twelve clefts is believed to be the rock from which Moses fetched water.
Saint Catherine is the central starting point for trekking and hiking excursions in the many remote Valleys of South Sinai. Many trekking and hiking excursions can be organised and led by the local Bedouins. The tour duration can vary from a few hours to many days.

Sinai can be reached from Sharm El-sheikh or Dahab, with a flight from Cairo then by vehicle.