CAIRO – Egyptian Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities Assem el-Gazzar asserted on Monday that the Great Transfiguration Development Project aims to restore Saint Catherine’s Monastery in South Sinai, in an attempt to revive the historical site.
The scope of work includes the establishment of a spiritual shrine on Saint Catherine’s mountains surrounding the Holy Valley, paired with accommodation to host a wide capacity of visitors and employee housing in the vicinity of the 1,700-year-old monastery, Gazzar explained while following up the implementation of the project, which is being carried out as per directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to upgrade Saint Catherine city.
Upon completion, the heritage site will be the ultimate go-destination for those looking to enjoy nature and spirituality, while also providing visitors with an assortment of entertainment and attractions, whereby showcasing Saint Catherine’s strategic location and natural blessings.
The Great Transfiguration Project will also link Saint Catherine to neighboring areas such as Tur Sinai, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Dahab and is meant to preserve the city’s architectural heritage throughout the advancement process, in a bid to keep the holy city’s historical, spiritual, and cultural value alive.
The minister added efforts are focused on carrying out 14 projects to develop the greatest manifestation project in Saint Catherine, this unique site of its kind worldwide.
Working teams from the ministry are reviewing work progress in the project, that is financed by the New Urban Communities Authority, according to him.
The project’s marketing vision was also reviewed to ensure the greatest manifestation of Saint Catherine as the “Land of Peace,” thereby attracting spiritual tourism from all over the world and luring followers of the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Marketing representatives said the core message is to revive the spirit of peaceful coexistence and the values of an inclusive society within Saint Catherine and promote it at a global level, and thus, contributing to the realization of world peace and prosperity.
Saint Catherine has been long deemed as a go-to destination for local and international visitors.
Specifically, it encompasses the Orthodox Monastery, which is among the sites shining on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
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