According to ancient tradition, Mount Nebo is the location from which Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before he died. Today a church stands on top of the mountain in commemoration of the burial site of the Prophet – the exact location of which is unknown.
Built in the traditional Byzantine Basilica style, the church is adorned with mosaics of animals, plants and ancient Greek writing and immaculately preserved ruins from the original structure remain to this day.
The historical mount is an important year-round site for Christian and Jewish pilgrimages and has even been honoured with a visit from Pope John Paul II in 2000, who planted an olive tree beside the church as a symbol of peace.
The valley around the mountain – also known as Aeoun Musa (Eyes of Musa), is a beautiful spot to explore and hike down to the famous spring that the Prophet Moses is said to have conjured using his staff.
Religious significance aside, Mount Nebo is also the highest peak in the country meaning visitors can enjoy the best views out over the Jordan valley and across to the Dead Sea – the exact view that is described in the bible as the Holy Land that Moses was unable to enter.
Other sites on the pilgrimage route include the cave of the Prophet Lot, the Roman Catholic Church in Anjara and Bethany Beyond the Jordan baptism site.
