Wadi Feiran

Welcome to Wadi Feiran, often hailed as the 'Pearl of Sinai.' As you look around, the contrast is immediate and striking—a lush, green ribbon of palm groves and gardens slicing through the jagged, sun-scorched mountains of the…

We are now walking through the heart of the ancient city of Pharan. Between the 4th and 6th centuries, this was a thriving urban center. …

Rising above the archaeological site is Mount Tahuna, or the 'Mountain of the Mill.' This peak, which rises 886 meters above sea level, is dotted with ancient Christian cells and small chapels dating back to the 4th century. The…

Within the ruins of Pharan, one structure stands out for its size and importance: the Episcopal Church, or the Church of the Bishop. This was the seat of the Bishop of Sinai from at least 451 AD. …

Among the five churches found in ancient Pharan, the Church of Cosmos and Damian is one of the most intriguing. Named after the twin brothers who were celebrated as 'unmercenary' doctors—meaning they treated the poor for…

A short walk from the ancient ruins leads us to the modern heart of Wadi Feiran: the Convent of the Seven Maidens, or Deyr al-Banat. This Greek Orthodox nunnery is built near a 5th-century historical site and is surrounded by a…

The secret to Wadi Feiran’s longevity lies beneath your feet. Since the 6th century, travelers have noted the abundance of water here. …

As we leave Wadi Feiran, the jagged peaks of Sinai close in behind us, but the image of the green oasis remains. We have journeyed through the ruins of a once-great Byzantine city, climbed the sacred heights of Mount Tahuna, and…