On top of Mt Nebo, this modest church, or more accurately basilica, was built around 4th-century foundations in AD 597 and has just undergone a major reconstruction project. It houses important mosaics (from around AD 530), which rank as some of the best in Jordan. The masterpiece is a hunting and herding scene interspersed with an assortment of African fauna, including a zebu (humped ox), lions, tigers, bears, boars, zebras, an ostrich on a leash and a camel-shaped giraffe.
The church was abandoned by the 16th century and only relocated in the 20th century, using 4th- and 5th-century pilgrim travelogues. The Franciscans bought the site in 1932 and were responsible for excavating most of the ruins of the church and the monastery, as well as reconstructing much of the basilica.
The church is part of a functioning monastery, off limits to visitors. Smoking and mobile phones are not allowed in the vicinity of the church. Toilets can be found next to the on-site museum. Expect a rise in admission charge (which covers both the church and the neighbouring Memorial Viewpoint) when the work is complete.
