The fortified stone walls of St. Catherine's Monastery at the base of the rugged granite peaks of Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa).
A Fortress of Faith at the Base of Mt. Sinai
At the base of Jebel Musa (the traditional Mount Sinai) sits the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world. A cornerstone of the Greek Orthodox tradition, this sacred site is named after St. Catherine, the famed Alexandrian martyr.
The Legacy of Justinian I
The history of this desert fortress stretches back to the mid-6th century AD. It was constructed by order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, purposefully built over the site where tradition holds that God confronted Moses at the Burning Bush.
The Legend of St. Catherine
Beyond its architectural history lies a miraculous legend. After Catherine was martyred by a Roman blade, it is said her remains were carried away by angels and hidden deep in the Sinai desert. Centuries later, Christian monks discovered her body—entirely uncorrupted—and established the monastery in her honor.
Witness the Sinai Wilderness
There is nothing quite like the austere beauty of this amazing mountain. We invite you to stand where history and scripture meet and witness the wonders of Mt. Sinai for yourself.
Next Year’s Journey: We are returning to Egypt for an immersive historical and spiritual experience. May 5-15, 2026. See brochure here.
Itinerary Highlights:
St. Catherine's Monastery
Optional climb of Mt Sinai
Red Sea Swim
