Visitors from all around the world come to Mount Nebo – the sacred mountain in Jordan standing over 2,000 feet high. These brilliant views are believed to be those from which Moses gazed upon the Holy Land before his death. The landscape is home to stunning surroundings and one can look out at the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and on a clear day, even Jerusalem. The Memorial Church of Moses also rests at the summit, which also provides a significant visit for Christians.
Location of Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is located just 15 minutes away from the city of Madaba, not too far from the Dead Sea. The Queen Alia International Airport in Amman is also relatively close – just a half hour’s drive away. Travelers can drop their baggage off at their hotel and embark on a breathtaking hike of Mount Nebo with this Madaba, Mount Nebo and Dead Sea private tour or this Madaba & Mount Nebo Tour from Amman.
History of Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is steeped in religious significance as it is believed to be the place where Moses stood to view the Promised Land before his death. According to the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses died on Mount Nebo and was buried in Moab. In the 4th century, a small monastery was built by Egyptian monks on the mountain peak in memory of Moses, now called Memorial Church of Moses. After its reconstruction in the 5th century, the Memorial Church was turned into a basilica and still stands on the zenith of Mount Nebo today.
The brilliant Byzantine mosaic remnants that can also be found here have undergone a restorative process to depict the entire route of the King’s Highway – an ancient trade route running through Jordan. Pieced together, the incredible collection showcases a variety of images including wildlife and local customs from the Byzantine era.
Things to See and Do at Mount Nebo
La Storia Tourism Complex
The La Storia Tourism Complex at Mount Nebo gives visitors a chance to tour the museum which includes information on the religious history of the mountain and its surrounding area. A variety of workshops for tourists of all ages is also provided. With your self-guided Madaba, Mount Nebo and Dead Sea tour, you can stop at the complex and learn all about the site for yourself. It’s also here where you can view the millions of Byzantine mosaic remains pieced together showcasing a magnificent structure.
The Memorial Church of Moses
To commemorate the death place of Moses, a church was constructed in the 4th century. Since then, the church was redeveloped into a basilica and now boasts a number of mosaics that date back to 530 AD. The mosaics have been well preserved and portray images of Byzantine hunters; a local pastime during the Byzantine era.
The Brazen Serpent Sculpture
The Brazen Serpent is a sculpture situated atop Mount Nebo. Represented as the Biblical Brazen Serpent from which Moses protected the Israelites, the sculpture has become so popular that it is now recognized as the symbol of the site itself.
Midnight Christmas Mass at Mount Nebo
For those who choose to visit Jordan during Christmas, can take part in the Mount Nebo midnight mass that welcomes all. The Christmas mass is held in both English and Arabic making it appealing to foreign visitors as well as locals.
How to Visit Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo offers affordable entry and provides travelers with easy access to its base which leads to the top via foot path. A short taxi ride from Madaba will get you to the base of Mount Nebo, from which visitors will have to walk to the top of the mountain.
Tours like our 4 Day Northern Jordan Tour Package offer not only the stunning views of Mount Nebo, but also other amazing sites of North Jordan. For a longer adventure, consider joining our 7 day or 10 day highlights of Jordan package tour.
