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  • Historical Importance of Al Gharbia

    Al Gharbia Governorate

    The Governorate of Gharbia is inclusive in the geographical area of The Arab Republic of Egypt which is in the African continent, more specifically in the region surrounding the Nile delta, between Damietta and Rashid governance. To the control of the region from the north is Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, from the south Menoufia Governorate, from the east – Dakahlia, Qalyubia Governorates, and to the west is the Beheira Governorate.

  • Marsa Alam City

    Hamata Islands (Qulaan Archipelago) in Marsa Alam

    Each reserve has several sectors. In Wadi El Gemal Reserve, there is one of the natural areas called the Hamata area or Hamata sector in Wadi El Gemal Reserve. Its sectors are the perfect and most ecological, land and water, and host countless animals and plants found in the oceans and on the land.

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    Best Things to Do in Nile River

    The Nile’s tourism potential is excessive; from southern Egypt and all the way to the northern regions, The Nile River makes some of the most pleasant tourist places in Cairo on the Nile, for Egyptian dwellers and even the visitors, who traveled to Egypt for the pleasures of the country and people.

  • The Monastery of El Suryan

    The Monastery of El Suryan | Deir Al-Surian Cairo Attractions

    The Monastery of the Virgin Mary the Syrian is considered one of the oldest monasteries in the history of the church, dating back to approximately the fifth century AD, as various sources indicate. The old fortress is located to the right of the entrance to the monastery, although it has been restored.

  • 10 Most Popular Egyptian Dishes

    Traditional Egyptian food

    Each Arab country has its own character, and Egypt is one of the most famous countries for food. Egyptians are known for their love of food, so they excelled in making dishes and inventing new things. The most famous Egyptian dishes are falafel, koshari, stuffed vegetables of all kinds, and molokhia.

  • Dolphin House Reef

    Dolphin House Marsa Allam

    Wadi El Gemal Nature Reserve in Marsa Alam is taking several measures to preserve the lives of Red Sea dolphins, which are a national treasure and a source of attraction and tourist income for diving and snorkeling, and to generate financial income for the state by collecting visit fees.

Saint Catherine Monastery

Facts about Saint Catherine Monastery

  • 05 16, 2023

Saint Catherine Monastery, located on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world and a site of profound historical, religious, and cultural significance. Its full name is the Monastery of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and it is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr of the 4th century.

Historical Background

Founded in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the monastery sits at the foot of Mount Sinai, traditionally believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. This location was chosen for its remote and sacred nature, which made it an ideal place for monastic life. The monastery's establishment is closely linked to the traditions of early Christianity and the desire to preserve and protect the Christian faith in a region that was increasingly becoming a crossroads of various religious and cultural influences.

Architecture and Art

Saint Catherine Monastery is renowned for its remarkable architectural and artistic features. The complex includes a fortified enclosure with a series of chapels, including the main church, which is built in the form of a basilica. The church’s interior is adorned with stunning mosaics, including a notable mosaic of the Transfiguration of Christ on the apse.

One of the most significant aspects of the monastery is its collection of early Christian and Byzantine manuscripts and artifacts. The monastery houses one of the world’s oldest surviving libraries, containing a vast array of texts in Greek, Latin, and other languages. Among its most prized possessions is the Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest complete manuscripts of the Christian Bible.

Religious Significance

The monastery has been a center of Christian pilgrimage for centuries, revered as a holy site due to its association with the biblical story of Moses. It has played a crucial role in preserving Christian traditions and texts, especially during periods of persecution and political upheaval. Despite its remote location, the monastery has remained a place of refuge and spiritual significance.

Cultural Impact

In addition to its religious importance, the monastery is a treasure trove of art and history. Its icons, manuscripts, and relics offer invaluable insights into early Christian art and theology. The monastery has been a focal point for scholarly research and has contributed significantly to our understanding of early Christian practices and the development of monasticism.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

St. Catherine’s Monastery is closed on Fridays, Sundays, and the major Greek Orthodox holidays. On other days, it opens to the public in the mornings only. Mondays and Saturdays are the busiest days and, at times when tourist numbers are high, it’s worth visiting between Tuesday and Thursday.

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