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| RED SEA :: ATTRACTION PLACES :: MONASTERIES |
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Monastery of St Anthony
The Monastery of St Anthony was founded at the foot of a mountain in 356 AD southeast of Zafarana. The monastery, named after the father of Christian monasticism, was built two kilometers south of the cave where St Anthony (c. 251-356 AD) retreated to pursue an isolated ascetic life.
Today, about 70 monks live in the Coptic monastery that is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. A few overnight stays can be arranged at their guesthouse in advance. Of great interest is the ancient church where St Anthony is buried. You can see the recently restored and striking wall paintings of various periods and styles. The monastery's library holds over 1,700 ancient handwritten manuscripts. The saint's cave is 680 meters above sea level and contains some interesting writings and drawings as well as spectacular vistas of mountains, the Red Sea and the valley below.
Monastery of St Katherine
The monastery of St Katherine lies at the foot of the Gebel Musa in the heart of the South Sinai. In 330 AD the mother of Emperor Constantine, Empress Helena, ordered the construction of a small church by Moses' Burning Bush. It was called the Church of the Transfiguration. The fortified monastery we see today was built around this church during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565 AD).
In the 11th century the monastery was dedicated to St Katherine of Alexandria who had died in 310 AD. Her remains, reportedly found by monks on a mountain peak next to Mt Sinai, are buried in the monastery's Basilica. Fronted by gardens and cypress tress, the monastery is owned and run by the Greek Orthodox Church. Its rich library houses the world's second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts after the Vatican. You can see the Burning Bush and a large number of antique works of art: invaluable icons, beautifully carved doors, exquisite wall paintings and other fine religious ornaments.
The Museum at St Katherine Monastery
In February 2002, within the monastery's towering walls, one of the world's finest and most unique collections of Christian artifacts has been made more accessible to the public. A small yetextraordinary nine-roommuseum referred to as "The Sacred Sacristy was opened to displaymasterpieces of the highest artistic value. Among the tastefully displayed exhibits are exquisite 6th century Byzantine icons, delicate 9th century manuscripts written in Syriac, rare Slavonic prayer books, including splendidobjects of silver, gold, ivory and precious stones.Perhaps the most valued items on exhibit, presented in a special glass case, are pages from the Codex Sinaiticus, a4th century version of the Bible that now rests in the British Museum. Now you can see the Monastery's coveted collection, while listening to gentle Byzantine hymns in an atmosphere of splendor and reverence. The museum is open from 9 to 12 am everyday except on Fridays, Sundays and religious holidays. Entrance fee is 10 LE.
Monastery of St Paul
The Monastery of St Paul is situated 26 kilometers south of Zafarana. St Paul (c.228-343 AD), a contemporary of St Anthony, is considered Christianity's first ascetic hermit.
His remains are kept in one of the monastery's three churches built in and around the cave where he once lived and worshiped for some 85 years.
Although the Coptic monastery itself is much smaller than that of nearby St Anthony, you are welcome to stay a few nights. There is much to see: freshwater springs, colorful wall paintings, altars with candles, and ostrich eggs that symbolize the Resurrection. The fortress in the middle was once where the monks withdrew during hostile raids. The monastery also houses many important old and illustrated manuscripts.
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