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 In 330 AD, the mother of Emperor Constantine, Empress Helena, ordered the construction of a small church near Moses’ Burning Bush. It was called the Church of the Transfiguration. The fortified Monastery of St Katherine seen today was built around the church during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565 AD). In the 11th century, the monastery was dedicated to St Katherine of Alexandria, who died in 310 AD. Her remains, reportedly found by monks on a mountain peak next to Mount Sinai, are buried in the monastery’s Basilica. St. Catherine Holiday is full of things to do.
Again, underwater activities are the main attraction in Nuweiba. Shallow reefs create interesting locations for snorkeling; and diving sites include Ras Burka, Big Ruta, Devil’s Head and Maagana to name but a few. Opportunities exist, too, for trekking, either by camel or jeep, into the astounding Sinai interior or through the coastline mountains. Highlights include St Katherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai, the Coloured Canyon, or a visit to some of the oases in the area.
Fronted by gardens and cypress tress, the monastery is owned and run by the Greek Orthodox Church. Its rich library houses the world’s second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts after the Vatican, and also contains invaluable icons, beautifully-carved doors, exquisite wall paintings and other fine religious ornaments. Within the monastery’s towering walls, one of the world’s finest and most unique collections of Christian artifacts has been made more accessible to the public. Weather in St. Catherine is always superb.
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St. Catherine
