Journey to the East

The monastery, around which towering red walls with a height of 12 to 15 meters with watchtowers at the corners, covering the area of the square wrong. But outside the monastery is a whole town with architecture from different eras and styles.

Well-preserved bell tower of the monastery. The bells were donated to the monastery of the Russian Imperial surname.

The bell tower of the monastery of St. Catherine.

The main temple in the monastery is the Church of the Transfiguration, however, during holidays, to visitors open their doors 12 chapels dedicated to the virgin Mary and patron saints. One of them is the chapel of the Burning Bush, which is located near the Church of the Transfiguration. In the monastery there are several wells of Holy water. The most interesting is the well of Moses, about which there was the legendary meeting of Moses and Jethro’s daughters, one of whom became his wife.

The monastery of St. Catherine are not only the chapel and temple, but other rooms, which were regarded as the wound service, though are no less artistic and historical value. For example, the refectory in the Church, decorated with Gothic arches and illuminated by a single window.

The monastery has its own library, the size of only 15 x 10 meters, but how precious books are stored here – it is second in importance after the Vatican library. In this room holds about six million volumes and manuscripts in Greek, Arabic, Armenian, Coptic, Georgian, Syriac languages on theological, historical and scientific topics.

Continue our journey across the Sinai.

In the region of the monastery. Catherine preserved the remains of dwellings of the Bedouins. Many years ago there emerged the first settlements? Who were the first settlers? Scientists speculated. The severe nature of this region demanded extraordinary courage and endurance from the people who settled here. We managed to find also millstones for grinding grains, various vessels and utensils. Ancient legends say that once in the mountains of Sinai was a lot of water – it rained regularly. If you get a lot farther into the mountains, one can find abandoned wells and tanks in which the inhabitants kept the water. Some of the wells are used to this day. The gorges stretch of pipe that runs water from the tops, in some places there are even waterfalls. Now in the mountains still live people (see photo), the kids easily climb on the most inaccessible slopes, not inferior to them in neatness and adults.

Remains of dwellings of the Bedouins. The entrance was filled up inside with a large stone.

Remains of dwellings of the Bedouins, South Sinai.

Even fifty years ago the girls before the wedding, ran away from their suitors and were hiding in the mountains. The task of the groom was to find and catch up with his bride, only then were married. Now customs have changed slightly, but still the groom’s parents choose the bride for him.

The waterfall Ashuk

The harsh climate of Sinai demanded from the indigenous inhabitants of endurance and great adaptability. Grueling summer heat gives way to winter chilling cold. If in summer the stones are heated to 50—60 degrees, in winter the temperature drops to minus 2—3 degrees Celsius, and can even snow. It is widely believed that mount Sinai is completely devoid of water and therefore little wildlife. This is not so. High in the mountains you can find the whole of the lake of rain water and even waterfalls. One of them is the waterfall of Ashuk is within the vicinity of Dahab.

The waterfall Ashuk in vicinity of Dahab

In the winter in Sinai may be heavy rains. The water is stored in natural reservoirs, and the locals are happy to use it for household needs. Of course, this is not drinking water, but to water the garden or wash-wash something is quite good. From the reservoir a system of rubber pipes allows you to hold precious moisture almost to the housing.