Madaba and Mount Nebo
Madaba is known as the City of Mosaics, and it is easy to see why: beneath its churches and houses lie floors of tiny coloured stones laid more than a thousand years ago. A short drive away, Mount Nebo rises above the Jordan Valley with one of the most moving views in the region. Together they make a rich and peaceful journey into history and faith.
Madaba flourished in the Roman and especially the Byzantine periods, when its churches and wealthy houses were decorated with remarkable mosaic floors. The most famous is the Madaba Map in the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. Created in the sixth century AD, it is the oldest surviving original map of the Holy Land, showing mountains, rivers, towns and a detailed plan of Jerusalem with its streets and buildings. Although only part of it survives, it still covers a large area of the church floor.
Mosaics can be found all over town. The Madaba Archaeological Park preserves several Byzantine floors along with a stretch of Roman street, and the Church of the Apostles holds a beautiful mosaic that shows the sea as a woman surrounded by fish and other creatures. Local workshops keep the craft alive, and a school in Madaba trains new generations in making and restoring mosaics. The town itself is welcoming and easy to explore on foot, with old stone houses, cafes and small shops.
About ten kilometres to the west lies Mount Nebo. The Bible describes it as the place where Moses looked out over the Promised Land at the end of his life, and Moses is honoured as a great prophet in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Pilgrims have come here since early Christian times, and a church and monastery were built on the summit in the Byzantine period. Today the Memorial Church of Moses, cared for by the Franciscans, shelters some of the finest mosaics in Jordan, filled with hunting scenes, animals and vines.
Outside the church, a viewing terrace looks across the Jordan Valley to the Dead Sea, and on clear days hills and towns on the far side of the valley appear in the distance. A bronze sculpture of a serpent twined around a cross stands nearby, recalling the bronze serpent of the biblical story. Whatever your beliefs, standing here in the wind above the valley is a quiet and memorable moment. Madaba also lies on the scenic King's Highway, which continues south toward Kerak, Dana and Petra.
Highlights
- 1The sixth-century Madaba Map in the Church of Saint George
- 2Mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park
- 3The Church of the Apostles and its mosaic of the sea
- 4Watching artisans at work in local mosaic workshops
- 5The Memorial Church of Moses on Mount Nebo
- 6The view over the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea from Mount Nebo
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
What is the Madaba Map?
The Madaba Map is a sixth-century mosaic on the floor of St George's Church in Madaba. It shows the lands of the Bible from Lebanon to Egypt, with towns, rivers and the Dead Sea, and includes the oldest surviving map-like picture of Jerusalem. Although only part of it remains, it is one of the most important early maps of the region.
How much time do you need for Madaba and Mount Nebo?
Half a day is enough to see the Madaba Map, the Archaeological Park and one or two more churches, and then drive to Mount Nebo for the views and mosaics. A full day lets you add Hammamat Ma'in, Mukawir or an afternoon at the Dead Sea. Many travellers visit both on the way between Amman and the south.
Can you see Jerusalem from Mount Nebo?
On clear days, the view from Mount Nebo stretches across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the oasis of Jericho, and sometimes as far as the hills of Jerusalem. Haze is common, especially in summer, so the distant view is not always visible. Mornings after winter or spring rain usually give the clearest views.
What should I wear to visit churches in Madaba?
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, as the churches of Madaba and Mount Nebo are active places of worship. A light scarf or shawl is useful to cover your arms if needed. Speak quietly, follow any rules about photography, and avoid visiting during services unless you plan to attend.
How do I get from Amman to Madaba?
Madaba is about 35 kilometres south-west of Amman, usually around 40 minutes by car. Minibuses run from Amman's southern bus station, and taxis and private drivers are easy to arrange. Madaba is also only about 25 to 30 minutes from Queen Alia International Airport, making it a convenient first or last stop in Jordan.
Is Madaba suitable for children?
Yes. Madaba is a calm, compact town where families can walk between the main sights. Children often enjoy spotting animals and scenes in the mosaics and watching artisans at work in mosaic workshops. At Mount Nebo, the open hilltop and the views are popular, but keep children close to the railings at viewpoints.
Continue the journey
12Baptism Site
A peaceful place on the Jordan River, revered by Christians as the site where John the Baptist baptised Jesus.
13Umm Qais
Basalt ruins of ancient Gadara perched high above the Jordan Valley, with sweeping views toward the Sea of Galilee.
14Kerak Castle
A vast medieval fortress on a mountain spur, full of dark vaulted halls and wide views over the surrounding valleys.
15Desert Castles
Early Islamic palaces, baths and forts scattered across the eastern desert, with rare frescoes and a hidden oasis.
01Petra
A Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs, reached through a narrow, winding canyon that opens onto the Treasury.
02Wadi Rum
A vast desert of red sand, towering sandstone mountains and silent valleys, where Bedouin camps glow under brilliant stars.
03Dead Sea
Float effortlessly on mineral-rich water at the lowest point on land, framed by golden mountains and soft evening light.
04Jerash
One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities anywhere, with colonnaded streets, grand temples and theatres among green hills.