St Catherine’s Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt and known for its sacred peace, is now preparing to open up to the public.

The Greek Orthodox monastery was founded in the 6th century and is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries.

Moses is said to have received the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai.

This 1,500-year-old monastery was built where the valley ends and Mount Sinai begins.

Known among the faithful for housing relics of St Catherine of Alexandria, its ancient library of rare manuscripts also draws many pilgrims.

Gentle breezes blow across barren, reddish-brown rocks, causing rose bushes and olive trees to flutter.