Jebel Musa

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

Chasing the Light: An Evening Ascent of Jebel Musa

The profound stillness of Sinai

There is a profound stillness that settles over the jagged peaks of the Sinai Peninsula as the sun begins its descent. Climbing Jebel Musa—the traditional Mount Sinai—in the evening hours transforms a physical challenge into a spiritual journey.

Navigate the path of Moses

As you navigate the Path of Moses or the winding camel trails, the granite landscape shifts from fiery orange to deep violet. Reaching the summit just as the stars begin to pierce the desert sky offers a vantage point like no other. Standing where history and faith converge, the cool evening air carries a weight of silence that has drawn pilgrims for millennia.

Whether you’re there for the biblical heritage or the sheer majesty of the Egyptian wilderness, an evening climb offers a clenching perspective.