St. Catherine's monastery on mount Sinai
  Between the years 548 and 565, Justinian built a fortified monastery for the monks of Sinai on the biblical site of the Burning Bush, near the base of the mountain where Moses received the tables of the Law. The fortress enclosed a church (originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, later dedicated to St Catherine), conventual buildings and barracks for the garrison. Invocations on behalf of the emperor, his empress Theodora and the architect, a Palestinian named Stephanos, appear on three beams of the church roof.
  The katholikon is a timber-roofed basilica with projecting square chapels flanking the apse. A small open court east of the apse contained the alleged Burning Bush (it was later replaced by the homonymous chapel). The mosaic decoration of the church bears witness to the high standarts of mosaic art in the Justinianic period. The monumental composition of the Transfiguration on Mount Thabor occupies the conch of the apse. It is framed by medallions containing portraits of the apostles, prophets, and David, the royal ancestor of Christ. On the chancel arch, in the axis of the Transfiguration, are two scenes of the life of Moses, recalling the biblical events which occured on the site: Moses loosening his sandals in front of the Burning Bush, and Moses receiving the Law from the hand of God. Justinian's portrait may be recognized in the medallion of David.