Monastery Highlights:
The Basilica
Chapel of the Burning Bush
Charnel House
The Fountain of Moses
Justinian's Wall
The Library & Gallery of Icons
The Mosque
Explore the Monastery
Art of the Monastery
The Mosque:
St. Catherine's Mosque was originally a chapel, but in 1106 it was converted into an Islamic structure for unknown reasons. One theory holds that the monks themselves hastily built it to appease an angry caliph threatening to attack; another argues that it was built by a Muslim detachment defending the monastery during the crusades. On special occasions, the mosque is still used by the local bedouin, who have helped maintain the monastery grounds for centuries. One of the mosque's most significant features is a minbar, or Islamic style pulpit, which remains the only one of its kind.