Standing atop Mount Nebo in Jordan brought to light that this was a sacred location for the big three- Judaism, Christianity, and Muslims. There are other locations in the region that also hold reverence to the three, including St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, Egypt, which I had visited after my trip to Jordan. But Mount Nebo was the first location that I had visited where all three acknowledge as significant.
Mount Nebo and the Memorial to Moses, holds great importance as Moses or Prophet Musa is considered to be one of the most significant prophets in the three main religions, the Druze Faith, the Baha i Faith, and other Abrahamic religions.
Mount Nebo, as mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible is the location where the Prophet Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land, that God was giving to the Israelites before his death.
“And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho.” (Deuteronomy 34:1).
Although I am currently not of any religion, I did grow up Catholic/ Christian and understand Biblical stories. It was a surreal moment to be standing at the top of Mount Nebo, and overlooking the ‘Promised Land’.
The summit views on Nebo are vast, and provide panorama views of the West Bank across the Jordan Valley. On a clear day, one can see the ancient cities of Jericho and Jerusalem from the mount.
According to both the Jewish and Christian tradition, Moses was buried on Mount Nebo by God Himself, and his final resting place is unknown. There is a monument on the mount which commemorates Moses’ death after seeing Canaan, across the valley of Jordan.
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Pope John Paul II Olive Tree
Pope John Paul II had visited the summit of Mount Nebo on March 20, 2000, while on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He had planted an olive tree that stands next to the Byzantine chapel, as a symbol of Peace.
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Brazen Serpent Sculpture
Atop Mount Nebo is brilliant sculpture created by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni. The serpentine cross sculpture is symbolic of both the miracle of the bronze serpent invoked by Moses, and the crucifixion of Jesus.
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Today Mount Nebo is one of Jordan’s well visited sites along the tourist route or religious pilgrimage. There are many tour groups that will bring you to this location as part of their iteniary. I had visited with the company G Adventures, and they were professional and fun- Enjoy!
For more places to visit while in Jordan – Petra and Beyond | UNESCO & Top Sights To Visit While In Jordan
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📸 All photos are taken by me and are my intellectual property – Trixie Navarre
Trixie Navarre 
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