The Brazen Serpent sculpture by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni at Mount Nebo, Jordan. It is symbolic of the bronze serpent created by Moses in the wilderness and the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified.
Mount Nebo is believed to be the place where Moses first glimpsed the Promised Land. "And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho." - Deuteronomy 34:1. According to Christian and Jewish tradition, Moses was buried on this mountain. However, his final resting place remains a mystery. Tradition also suggests the Prophet Jeremiah hid the tabernacle, as well as the Ark of the Covenant on Mount Nebo.
View of the Holy Land from Mount Nebo. On a clear day, you can see Jerusalem and Jericho.
Memorial stone near entranceway. When I lived in Jordan, we attended Easter sunrise services here.
A sculpture honouring Pope John Paul II's visit in 2000. Pope Benedict visited Mount Nebo in May 2009.
Mosaic floors uncovered in 20th-century excavations.
In 1933 at the highest point of the mountain, Syagha, the remains of a church and monastery were found. The church was built in the second half of the 4th century to commemorate the place where Moses died. The church was enlarged late in the fifth century and rebuilt in 597. Six tombs have been discovered beneath the church's mosaic floors. Excavation of various structures currently are in progress.
Mosaic from the Kayanos Church.
Mosaic inscription.
Palestino-Aramaic inscription from the Kayanos Church.
Historic stone overlooking the Jordan Valley.
I visited Israel last Christmas but did not get to Jordan. Jordan is next on the list. How fascinating. Beautiful pics.
Posted by: Denise | 24 December 2009 at 02:16
How very, very beautiful!
Amazing photography!
xo
Posted by: christina | 21 December 2009 at 21:21
What wonderful history to see. I love your pictures. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful land. The mosaic floors are beautiful.
Posted by: Marilyn | 21 December 2009 at 17:12
You have certainly captured the essence of the place in these photos. Just beautiful.
Posted by: Kay | 21 December 2009 at 10:54
Lovely to have a glimpse of that world. Thanks for posting these xx
Posted by: Di | 20 December 2009 at 20:14
So wonderful, and just breathtaking. I love the floors, what is better than archeological discoveries like this? Nothing!
Thanks for this post, am tweeting it and retweeting...! lol
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 20 December 2009 at 16:59