Mousa & Monastery

Full Plan Details: You will receive all the information in the description of the confirmation WhatsApp group after providing us with your phone number via email or upon completing your booking.

• Saint Cathrine’s Monastery:

We’ll start our day by visiting the monastery, taking a tour between the historical Saint Cathrine’s Monastery which contains: 

1. Church of the Transfiguration: The main church, which includes nine smaller churches, is a central feature of the monastery. One notable chapel is the Church of the Burning Bush, believed to be where God spoke to Moses.

2. Additional Churches: The monastery encompasses ten other churches, each contributing to its religious significance.

3. Library: The monastery houses one of the world’s most important libraries, containing approximately 4,500 manuscripts in various languages, including Greek, Arabic, and Syriac. This collection includes ancient texts such as the Codex Sinaiticus and other significant biblical manuscripts.

4. Artistic Treasures: Saint Catherine’s Monastery is renowned for its collection of Byzantine art, including early icons and mosaics. The extensive collection features works dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.

5. Monks‘ Accommodations and Refectory: The monastery includes living quarters for monks and a refectory where meals are served.

6. Fatimid Mosque: A mosque built in the 12th century is also part of the complex, reflecting the site’s significance across different religions.

7. Ossuaries and Olive Press: The monastery contains ossuaries for burial and an olive press used for producing oil.

8. Historical Significance: Established in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, it is one of the oldest continuously functioning monasteries in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

9. Cultural Importance: The monastery serves as a pilgrimage site for Christians and holds immense significance for Judaism and Islam as well, being associated with key biblical events.

Saint Catherine’s Monastery not only stands as a religious sanctuary but also as a repository of art, history, and culture that continues to attract visitors from around the globe.

• Mousa’s Summit:

After a short breakfast or lunch break, we will lace up our shoes for our ascent to Mount Mousa, where we can enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit

At the summit of Mousa’s Mountain (also known as Mount Sinai or Jebel Musa), you will find several significant features:

1. Church of the Holy Trinity: This chapel, built in 1934, is located at the peak and is said to enclose the rock from which God gave Moses the Tablets of the Law. Although it is not open to the public, it holds great historical and religious significance.

2. Mosque: A small mosque is situated at the summit, reflecting the mountain’s importance in Islamic tradition as well.

3. Cave of Moses: There is a cave believed to be where Moses waited to receive the Tablets from God, adding to the site’s religious importance.

4. Panoramic Views: The summit, at an elevation of 2,285 meters (7,495 feet), offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys, sometimes extending to the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba.

6. Elijah’s Basin: Located just below the summit, this area features ancient trees and a well, along with several churches commemorating biblical figures.
7. Historical Significance: The mountain is traditionally regarded as the biblical site where Moses received the Ten Commandments, making it a sacred destination for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike.