Saint Catherine Area
Location: Saint Catherine Area, Egypt
Year of Inscription: 2002
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared.
Overview: The Saint Catherine Area is a mountainous region located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, near the city of Saint Catherine. The area is home to several important religious and historical sites, including the Monastery of St. Catherine and Mount Sinai, which is believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and important religious significance.
Prominent Features: The Saint Catherine Area is home to several prominent features, including: The Monastery of St. Catherine: Built in the 6th century, this historic monastery is one of the oldest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. It is home to a rich collection of religious artifacts and manuscripts, as well as stunning architectural features. Mount Sinai: This mountain is believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments and is an important pilgrimage site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Visitors can climb the mountain to reach the summit, where they can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Valley of the Moon: This stunning valley is located near the Monastery of St. Catherine and is known for its otherworldly landscape, which resembles the surface of the moon.
History: The Saint Catherine Area has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the Nabateans, who built a trading route through the region, and the Greeks, who established a settlement near the site of the Monastery of St. Catherine. The area has also played an important role in the history of Christianity, with the Monastery of St. Catherine serving as an important religious center since its founding in the 6th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the Monastery of St. Catherine and learn about its rich history and religious significance. They can also climb Mount Sinai, which is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, families can enjoy the natural beauty of the region by taking a hike through the Valley of the Moon.
Fun Fact: The Monastery of St. Catherine is home to the world's oldest continually operating library. The library contains over 3,000 manuscripts and is home to many important religious texts, including the Codex Sinaiticus, which is one of the oldest surviving copies of the Bible.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for the Monastery of St. Catherine is 60 Egyptian pounds (approximately 3.80 US dollars) per person. There is no entry fee for climbing Mount Sinai.
How to Reach It: By Plane: The closest airport to the Saint Catherine Area is Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, which is located approximately 130 kilometers away. From there, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the area.
By Car: Visitors can reach the Saint Catherine Area by car, but it is recommended to hire a local driver due to the challenging terrain and mountainous roads.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect the Saint Catherine Area with other cities in Egypt. South Sinai Bus Company buses run several times a day from both Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh, with the journey taking approximately 2-3 hours.
By Tour: These run from both Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh the most common being:
Next Stop: Historic Cairo
Year of Inscription: 2002
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared.
Overview: The Saint Catherine Area is a mountainous region located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, near the city of Saint Catherine. The area is home to several important religious and historical sites, including the Monastery of St. Catherine and Mount Sinai, which is believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and important religious significance.
Prominent Features: The Saint Catherine Area is home to several prominent features, including: The Monastery of St. Catherine: Built in the 6th century, this historic monastery is one of the oldest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. It is home to a rich collection of religious artifacts and manuscripts, as well as stunning architectural features. Mount Sinai: This mountain is believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments and is an important pilgrimage site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Visitors can climb the mountain to reach the summit, where they can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Valley of the Moon: This stunning valley is located near the Monastery of St. Catherine and is known for its otherworldly landscape, which resembles the surface of the moon.
History: The Saint Catherine Area has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the Nabateans, who built a trading route through the region, and the Greeks, who established a settlement near the site of the Monastery of St. Catherine. The area has also played an important role in the history of Christianity, with the Monastery of St. Catherine serving as an important religious center since its founding in the 6th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the Monastery of St. Catherine and learn about its rich history and religious significance. They can also climb Mount Sinai, which is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, families can enjoy the natural beauty of the region by taking a hike through the Valley of the Moon.
Fun Fact: The Monastery of St. Catherine is home to the world's oldest continually operating library. The library contains over 3,000 manuscripts and is home to many important religious texts, including the Codex Sinaiticus, which is one of the oldest surviving copies of the Bible.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for the Monastery of St. Catherine is 60 Egyptian pounds (approximately 3.80 US dollars) per person. There is no entry fee for climbing Mount Sinai.
How to Reach It: By Plane: The closest airport to the Saint Catherine Area is Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, which is located approximately 130 kilometers away. From there, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the area.
By Car: Visitors can reach the Saint Catherine Area by car, but it is recommended to hire a local driver due to the challenging terrain and mountainous roads.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect the Saint Catherine Area with other cities in Egypt. South Sinai Bus Company buses run several times a day from both Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh, with the journey taking approximately 2-3 hours.
By Tour: These run from both Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh the most common being:
- Saint Catherine Monastery Tour: This tour takes you on a journey through the Saint Catherine Area, with stops at the Saint Catherine Monastery, the Burning Bush, and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity.
- Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike: This tour involves hiking to the summit of Mount Sinai in time to watch the sunrise over the surrounding landscape. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes around 3-4 hours, with a guide to lead the way. Stopping at the Monastery on the decent.
Next Stop: Historic Cairo