St Catherine’s Monastery

For the culturally minded a visit to the Sinai peninsula need not mean just diving and sunbathing. About two hours north of Sharm el Sheikh lies St Catherine’s Monastery, a working Greek Orthodox Monastery nestled in the mountains. It was built 1500 years ago by the Roman Emperor Justinian to protect the what was believed to be the burning bush that Moses once saw, and which remains to this day. Aside from the striking beauty and the peace which transcends the buildings, the Monastery is famed today for a remarkable library of codices and manuscripts from early Christendom as well as priceless collection of icons, many of which are on display.