We visited the monastery after climbing the mountain. It was open for only half an hour, because the monastery is active. There are a lot of tourists, excursions, trying to show everything in time (although the open part of the monastery is very small). Access to the relics is fast, and you can write notes right away. Due to the large flow of people, it's not very possible to feel the sanctity of the place, but there are no queues anywhere, you can see everything. It was because of this that the WOW effect did not happen (or maybe they were very tired after climbing + descending the mountain), although they really wanted to get here.

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Михей Андреев

Level 30 Local Expert

From Sharm El Sheikh, the road goes up into the mountains towards Dahab along the only highway in this part of the country. An hour later, we stop at a gas station near the welcome to Dahab sign. The road turns left and after another hour and a half, having risen to 1,570 meters above sea level, we arrived at a small village in front of the monastery. They immediately took me to a store with icons. Everything is very similar to Balaam in essence. Expensive icons can not be removed, the only difference is in the theme. From the checkpoint to the monastery, 700 meters on foot is still uphill. There are beautiful mountain views all around. In the morning, they were afraid that it would be cold, in November at 10 a.m. it was about 25 degrees and the sun was already hot. When approaching the walls, Bedouin cleanly dressed children run and beg for food and money. The guide immediately warned that there was no need to give anything, but you can understand how to keep our compassionate people. The main thing is not to touch children with your hands, as they don't touch anyone either. The price of the tour includes the guide's story, which is very good. Unfortunately, they are allowed only into a small part of the monastery - to the burning bush, the spring, a little to the right and into the Temple in which you can not shoot. The temple inside is interesting, with 8 huge columns - what used to be here is not clear, but it is clear that some kind of ancient object has come down to us. Somewhere inside there is a hidden library of ancient scrolls, which is second only to the Vatican library. The burning bush is just a huge bush of branches, at the entrance to the monastery there is a pair of exactly the same ones, but without fences. There are all kinds of fruit trees on the territory. There is a toilet for 10 pounds, but they can let you in for free. When they were already leaving and it was time for lunch, local fathers drove by, accompanied by six Toyota police cars. Return trip with a stop and lunch in Dahab. The restaurant overlooking the bay is very beautiful and very tasty. Huge portions. The ride is just fire!

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Ирина Владимировна

Level 27 Local Expert

Visiting St. Catherine's Monastery is one of those impressions that will remain forever in the memory of every traveler. Located on Mount Sinai, the monastery is a unique combination of spiritual atmosphere, historical heritage and picturesque nature. The first impression is surprise at the scale of the structure. Despite the harsh desert conditions, the monastery looks majestic and harmoniously fits into the surrounding landscape. The architectural elements are striking in their simplicity and sophistication at the same time, creating a sense of antiquity and tranquility. The interior of the temple attracts special attention. The wall paintings, icons and frescoes are made in the Byzantine style and convey an atmosphere of deep faith and spiritual enlightenment. Here you feel like a part of the centuries-old history of Christianity, you feel the connection of times and generations. The atmosphere of calm and tranquility promotes deep reflection and inner purification. Visiting St. Catherine's Monastery was one of the highlights of my trip. It is a place where history, faith and nature merge together, leaving unforgettable impressions and deep experiences. I recommend visiting this unique corner of the world to anyone who is looking for inspiration and spiritual renewal.

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Saint Catherine's Monastery

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