Mount Nebo is one of the most sacred and spectacular places in Jordan. It is believed to be the site where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died, and where his tomb is located. From the summit of this ancient mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Jordan River valley, the Dead Sea, and even Jerusalem on a clear day. You can also explore the remains of a Byzantine church and monastery that contain some of the finest mosaics in the Middle East, and admire the impressive Brazen Serpent sculpture that symbolizes the biblical story of Moses and the bronze serpent. Whether you are a history buff, a religious pilgrim, or a nature lover, Mount Nebo is a must-see destination for your trip to Jordan.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about visiting Mount Nebo, including how to get there, what to expect, when to go, and what to do. You will also discover some of the hidden gems and secrets of this holy mountain that will make your experience even more memorable.
How to Get to Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is located about 10 km west of the town of Madaba, which is famous for its mosaic map of the Holy Land. You can easily reach Mount Nebo from Madaba by car, taxi, or bus. The drive takes about 15 minutes, and the road is well signposted. You can also visit Mount Nebo as part of a day trip from the Dead Sea or Amman, the capital of Jordan. The distance from the Dead Sea is about 35 km, and from Amman is about 45 km. You can either rent a car, hire a driver, or join a guided tour to get to Mount Nebo from these places.
The best time to visit Mount Nebo is in the early morning or the late afternoon, when the sun is not too harsh and the views are more clear. You should also avoid visiting on Fridays and Saturdays, which are the weekends in Jordan, as the place can get crowded with local visitors. You should also dress modestly, as Mount Nebo is a religious site and a place of respect.
What to Expect at Mount Nebo
When you arrive at Mount Nebo, you will first enter the visitor center, where you will pay the entrance fee of 2 JOD (about 3 USD) per person. You will also find a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, and a restroom at the visitor center. From there, you will follow a paved path that leads to the main attractions of Mount Nebo.
The first thing you will see is the Memorial Church of Moses, which was built by the Byzantines in the 4th century AD to commemorate the prophet. The church was later expanded and renovated by the Crusaders and the Franciscans, and is now under the custody of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. The church is not very impressive from the outside, but the real treasure lies inside. The church houses some of the most beautiful and well-preserved mosaics in the region, dating from the 6th to the 8th centuries AD. The mosaics depict various scenes from the Old and New Testaments, such as the sacrifice of Isaac, the twelve apostles, and the four evangelists. The mosaics also feature animals, plants, and geometric patterns, showcasing the skill and creativity of the Byzantine artists. You can admire the mosaics from a glass walkway that covers the floor of the church, or from a viewing platform that overlooks the nave.
The next thing you will see is the Brazen Serpent sculpture, which stands on a stone pedestal in front of the church. The sculpture was created by the Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni in 1973, and is made of iron and copper. It represents the bronze serpent that God commanded Moses to make and lift up on a pole, so that anyone who was bitten by a poisonous snake could look at it and live (Numbers 21:4-9). The sculpture also resembles a cross, symbolizing the connection between the Old and New Testaments, and the salvation that Jesus Christ offers to those who believe in him (John 3:14-15). The sculpture is also aligned with the direction of Jerusalem, which Moses saw from Mount Nebo before he died (Deuteronomy 34:1-5).
The last thing you will see is the viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see the Jordan River valley, the Dead Sea, the mountains of Judah and Samaria, and the skyline of Jerusalem. You can also spot some of the places that are mentioned in the Bible, such as Jericho, Bethlehem, and Bethany. You can use the binoculars that are available at the viewpoint, or bring your own telescope or camera to capture the scenery. You can also read the signs that explain the geography and the history of the area, or listen to the audio guide that is available in different languages. You can also enjoy the breeze and the silence that envelops the mountain, and feel the spiritual and historical significance of the place.
The Entrance Fee and Opening Hours of Mount Nebo
The entrance fee to Mount Nebo is 2 JOD (about 3 USD) per person, and it includes access to the church, the sculpture, and the viewpoint. You can pay by cash or by credit card at the visitor center. The ticket is valid for one day, and you can stay as long as you want.
The opening hours of Mount Nebo are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the winter (October to March), and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in the summer (April to September). The church is closed on Sundays, and the sculpture and the viewpoint are closed on Fridays. The place is also closed on some religious holidays, such as Easter and Christmas. You can check the official website or call the visitor center for the latest information on the opening hours and the closures.
Mount Nebo is a place that will leave you in awe and wonder. It is a place where you can witness the beauty and the diversity of God’s creation, and where you can connect with the history and the faith of Moses and the Israelites. It is a place that will inspire you and enrich your journey in Jordan.
If you are interested in visiting Mount Nebo, you can book a tour with Tripoto, the leading online platform for travel enthusiasts. Tripoto offers a variety of tours and packages that suit your budget and preferences, and that include transportation, accommodation, guides, and entrance fees. You can also read the reviews and the stories of other travelers who have visited Mount Nebo, and share your own experience with the Tripoto community. Tripoto is your trusted partner for your travel adventures in Jordan and beyond.
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