Saturday, 18 July 2026
Egypt urges swift completion of restoration at Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy on Friday visited Saint Catherine’s Monastery in South Sinai, where he was received by Bishop Simeon, the monastery’s abbot, and Father Niphon, the deputy abbot, the ministry said in a statement.
Fathy toured several of the monastery’s main landmarks, accompanied by the secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Hisham El-Leithy. The visit included the Church of the Transfiguration, the Church of the Burning Bush, the Sacred Bush itself, and the antiquities exhibition, which holds a rare collection of icons and artefacts historically used in the monastery’s service.
During the tour, the minister listened to a detailed briefing on ongoing restoration works, the technical procedures being applied in line with modern scientific standards, and the history and architectural components of the monastery. He also signed the visitors’ book in the icons gallery.
Fathy instructed officials to accelerate the completion of restoration works within the set timelines to safeguard the monastery’s unique heritage and preserve its historical, religious and cultural value.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002. Considered one of the world’s oldest continuously functioning monasteries, it was built in the 6th century by order of Emperor Justinian at the site traditionally associated with the story of the Prophet Moses. The complex houses notable religious and historical structures, including the Church of the Transfiguration, the Church of the Burning Bush, and a renowned library containing thousands of rare manuscripts in multiple languages. It also includes a Fatimid-era mosque, long seen as a symbol of interfaith coexistence.