Mount Moses and Saint Catherine’s Monastery are intrinsically linked, located close to each other in the heart of the South Sinai mountains.
Together, they form one of the most important pilgrimage sites for three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. Mount Moses (Jabal Mūsā) Mount Moses is the traditional name for Jabal Mūsā (Arabic: جبل موسى), which translates directly to “Mountain of Moses.”
It is also commonly known as Mount Sinai.
Religious Significance: It is believed to be the mountain where, according to the biblical book of Exodus, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.
This event makes it a profoundly holy site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims (who recognise Moses as a major prophet).
The Climb:
There are two main paths to the summit (2,285 meters / 7,497 feet).
Steps of Repentance:
The traditional, steeper route consists of approximately 3,750 steps carved by a monk. It is a more direct but challenging climb, taking about 2-3 hours.
Camel Path:
A longer, gentler, winding path that allows you to ride a camel for most of the way.
The final stretch from the camel dismount point to the summit involves a climb up 750 steps, taking about 2.5 hours.
The Summit Experience:
The main reason people make the climb is for sunrise.
Pilgrims and tourists alike ascend in the dark (often starting around 2:00 AM) to reach the top before dawn.
The view over the stark, dramatic mountains as the sun rises is an unforgettable and deeply spiritual experience for many.
At the summit, you’ll find a small chapel*(Chapel of the Holy Trinity) and a mosque.
2. Saint Catherine’s Monastery (Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Burning Bush)
Located at the very foot of Mount Moses, this is one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world,
History & Significance:
It was built between 548 and 565 AD by order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
It is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr whose body was supposedly discovered by monks centuries later on a nearby mountain (now called Jabal Katarina, the highest peak in Egypt).
What to See Inside:
The Burning Bush: The monastery is built around what is believed to be the site of the burning bush from which God spoke to Moses.
A bush of the same species (a raspberry plant, *Rubus sanctus*) is kept within the complex.
The Library: It houses the world’s second-largest collection of early codices and manuscripts (surpassed only by the Vatican).
Its most famous treasure is the Codex Sinaiticus, a 4th-century Greek manuscript of the Bible (now mostly in the British Library).
The Mosaics: The Chapel of the Transfiguration features one of the most magnificent Byzantine mosaics in the world, the 6th-century “The Transfiguration of Christ.”
Icon Collection: It possesses an incredible collection of over 2,000 icons from the 5th to 7th centuries, considered one of the most important collections of early Christian art.
The Well of Moses: A well where, according to tradition, Moses met his wife Zipporah.
Practical Information for Visitors.
Location: South Sinai, Egypt. Approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Dahab or Sharm El-Sheikh.
Tours: Most visitors come on an organised overnight tour from coastal resorts.
These tours typically include:
A late-night drive to the mountain
.
A guided climb up Mount Sinai for sunrise.
A visit to Saint Catherine’s Monastery after it opens to the public (usually around 9:00 AM, except on Sundays and Orthodox holidays).
What to Wear: Dress modestly as it is a holy site. Shoulders and knees should be covered for entering the monastery.
Best Time to Visit: The cooler months from October to April. Winters can be very cold, especially at the summit before sunrise.
In summary, a visit to Mount Moses and Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a journey to a place of immense historical, religious, and cultural importance, set within a landscape of breathtaking natural beauty.
