Mt. Nebo is famed in the Bible as the place where Moses was shown the Promised Land that was forbidden to him. The view from the top is fabulous -- it is the highest point in this region of central Jordan at around 2500 feet. The area is famous for a type of sandstone that was used in many of the early works of art created during the Byzantine period.

Mount Nebo's first church was constructed in the 4th century to commemorate the presumed site of Moses' death and burial. By the 6th century it had expanded into a vast complex that became an important destination for Christian pilgrims for more than a thousand years.

Excavations of Mt. Nebo’s ruins are overseen by Franciscan Fathers who bought the site in 1930 and continue excavations to this day.