About Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery
Mount Sinai, called Jebel Musa locally, is identified by long tradition as the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. At its foot stands Saint Catherine's Monastery, built by Emperor Justinian and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks ever since. Its fortress walls enclose a basilica, a chapel built around what is venerated as the Burning Bush, and a small mosque from the Fatimid era. Jews, Christians and Muslims all honor Moses and this mountain.
The monastery library holds one of the world's oldest collections of Christian manuscripts, and its icon collection includes rare works from before the iconoclast period. Most visitors climb the mountain at night along the camel path or the Steps of Repentance to watch sunrise from the summit chapel, then descend for the monastery's morning opening. Local Jebeliya Bedouin act as guides and run the camel service. The surrounding area is a protected landscape.
What to see
- Sunrise from the summit of Jebel Musa
- The Burning Bush and Chapel of the Burning Bush
- Basilica of the Transfiguration mosaic
- Monastery museum and icons
- The Steps of Repentance
Visiting Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery: practical guide
- Best time
- March to May and September to November
- Hours
- Monastery usually open mornings 9:00 to 12:00, closed Fridays, Sundays and Orthodox holidays
- Entry
- Monastery free; museum and summit guide fees apply
- Dress code
- Shoulders and knees covered; warm layers for the night climb
- Nearest airport
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), 220 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Hire a Bedouin guide as required for the night climb
- Summit temperatures can drop near freezing even in spring
- Check travel advisories and checkpoint rules for South Sinai
Festivals and special days
- Feast of Saint Catherine on 25 November
- Feast of the Transfiguration on 19 August
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery?
Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery is in Saint Catherine, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt, Asia. GPS coordinates: 28.5559, 33.9760. The nearest airport is Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), 220 km.
What is the best time to visit Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery?
March to May and September to November
Is there an entry fee for Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery?
Monastery free; museum and summit guide fees apply Opening hours: Monastery usually open mornings 9:00 to 12:00, closed Fridays, Sundays and Orthodox holidays
What should I wear when visiting Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery?
Shoulders and knees covered; warm layers for the night climb
Which religion is Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery sacred to?
Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery is sacred to Christianity, Judaism, Islam. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
