The cultural monument in Sinai

Pilgrimages to Sinai have been documented in writing since the 4th century AD.

As a result, numerous Christian monks settled in South Sinai, who subsequently became victims of repeated bloody Saracen raids. Justinian finally put an end to this. He founded the first fortified monastery in the immediate vicinity of the thorn bush (known from the story of Moses) – St. Catherine's Monastery.

He dedicated the cathedral's interior to the Virgin Mary. The monastery possesses a very old and famous collection of icons as well as an important library.

After several renovations and expansions, and the chess games of the Crusaders on the Sinai playing field, the monastery was dedicated in the 12th century to Saint Catherine, a highly educated Alexandrian woman who died a martyr's death.

Her mortal remains were taken to St. Catherine's and have been venerated there ever since.