Greek Orthodox

St. Catherine’s Monastery: A Fortress of Faith at the Base of Mt. Sinai

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 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 wilderness 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

Jerusalem Churches: Old and New

Just rotate your head

In the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, history is often layered directly on top of itself. In one unique spot, a simple rotation allows you to witness the incredible contrast between the oldest and newest church structures in Jerusalem, bridging centuries of faith and architecture in a single glance.

From the weathered stones of ancient Byzantine foundations to the striking, contemporary designs of the 20th century, these sacred spaces tell the story of a city that never stops evolving. It is a rare opportunity to see how the spirit of Jerusalem has been expressed through the ages, all from one standing position.

See the video

Click on the panel below to get a view to “Jerusalem Churches: Old and New.”