Saint Catherine's Monastery is a historic and religious complex located on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It was built in the 6th century AD at the base of Mount Sinai, which is considered a sacred site in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The monastery was named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr, whose relics are believed to be kept there.
The monastery is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex includes a church, several chapels, a library, and living quarters for the monks. The church is known for its unique architecture, which combines Byzantine and Islamic styles.
Saint Catherine's Monastery is also home to one of the largest and oldest libraries in the world. It contains a collection of manuscripts, including some of the earliest known copies of the Christian Bible, as well as early Islamic texts and ancient Greek and Roman works.
The monastery has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, and it is visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year. The surrounding area is also popular for its scenic beauty, including the rugged mountains and valleys of the Sinai Peninsula.