Mount Nebo, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is the mountain considered to be where Moses saw the Promised Landed before he died, according to the Old Testament. At around 1,000 meters tall, Mt. Nebo sits 10 km northwest from Madaba. The site is frequently visited by travelers of religious faith who, just like Moses, want to have a breathtaking view over Israel. Most people choose to visit Mount Nebo with a tour. On a clear day, visitors may be able to spot Jericho and even Jerusalem.
History of Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is significant because of its role in the Old Testament. The Bible says that Mount Nebo was where Moses lived out his final days and saw the Promised Land, which he would never enter. It is said that Moses’ body may be buried here, although that has yet to be proven. There are two peaks on Mt. Nebo, Siyagha and al-Mukhayyat. By the 4th century AD, Mount Nebo had already become a pilgrimage site and a church and sanctuary were built on Siyagha to honor Moses. In the 6th century AD, monks constructed a Byzantine monastery on Siyagha, which lasted for almost six centuries. While the building is no longer there, the mosaics from this time period are still visible. The site was abandoned by the 16th century. In 1993, Mount Nebo was purchased by the Franciscans who restored the site. It is an active Franciscan monastery today that is open to visitors.
Visiting Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo still offers an amazing panoramic view over areas of the Dead Sea, the West Bank, the Jordan River, and even Jerusalem. Visitors to Mount Nebo will see preserved mosaics uncovered from archaeological digs dating back to the 6th century. The main mosaic illustrates the process of winemaking, as well as images of hunters and animals. Outside, there is a sculpture of the Serpentine Cross, a symbolic combination of the bronze serpent created by Moses and Jesus’ cross.
