Summit of Mount Nebo, Jordan

Mount Nebo, Jordan

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Located 12km west of Madaba, Mount Nebo stands at around 817m above sea level and is one of Jordan’s most revered holy sites. The site is believed to be the location of Moses’ death and burial place.

Early Byzantine Christians built a small church on the spot of Moses’ death in the 4th century. In the 6th and 7th centuries monks decided to enlarge the church turning it into a vast complex. After 60 years of excavations, a basilical church and a large cluster of monastic buildings have been discovered. Ruins of the ancient church can be seen from within the modern church, and mosaics dating back to the 6th century can also be seen.

In 2000 the religious significance associated with the site meant that Pope John Paul II visited Mount Nebo whilst on his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. During his visit he planted an olive tree beside the Byzantine chapel as a symbol of peace.

From a platform in front of the church you can take in the amazing views of the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. On a clear day you are able to see the rooftops of Bethlehem and the spires of Jerusalem in the distance.

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