MOUNT NEBO

Ten minutes to the west is the most revered site in Jordan: Mount Nebo, with the memorial of Moses at the presumed site of the prophet's death and burial place. A small, square church was built on the spot by early Byzantine Christians, and later expanded into a vast complex. Sixty years of excavation reveal a basilical church and a large cluster of monastic buildings. From a platform in front of the church you take in a breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

WHAT TO SEE
Moses Memorial Church at Mount Nebo displays a large number of the most beautiful mosaics. Opens daily 08:00h-17:00h. Admission ½ JD.

MACHAERUS
If you continue your ride on the King's Highway after leaving Madaba and turn right at Libb, you eventually arrive at Machaerus (Mukawir in Arabic), the hilltop stronghold of Herod the Great. Upon Herod's death, his son Herod Antipas inhabited the fortress, and it is here that he ordered John the Baptist to be beheaded.

HAMMAMAT MA'IN

Southwest of Madaba are the thermal mineral springs of Hammamat Ma'in or Zarqa Ma'in, where people have come for thermal treatments - or simply to enjoy a hot soak - since the days of Rome. What better way to end a day immersed in history than in a wonderful, naturally warm bath?

WHERE TO STAY

Mercure Ma'in Spa, 4-star hotel in Hammamat Ma'in, tel. (05) 3245500 fax (05) 3245550. Indoor and natural outdoor hot pools, swimming pool and therapeutic services.

UMM AR-RASAS

The Old and New Testaments mention it, the Romans fortified it and the local Christians were still embellishing it with Byzantine-style mosaics well over one hundred years after the beginning of Muslim rule: Kastron Mefaa, modern Umm ar-Rasas, has a long history. The rectangular walledcity lays in ruins, but several buildings in its eastern part, including churches, a courtyard with a well, staircases and beautifully curved stone arches have been excavated and restored. The main attraction, though, lies outside the city walls: it is the Church of St. Stephen with its perfectly preserved mosaic floor, the largest one in Jordan. It contains the images of 15 major cities of the Holy Land from both east and west of the Jordan River, making it a discovery second only to the mosaic map of Madaba. Less than 2 km north of the fortified town, the highest standing ancient tower of Jordan puzzles the specialists: a 15 metre high, square tower with no door or inner staircase, now inhabited by swarms of birds.

HOW TO GET THERE

South of Madaba, in the town of Dhiban, a road leading east takes you to the site. Alternatively, you can leave Amman on the Desert Highway passing Qastal and Jiza and turn west shortly after Dab'a.

OTHER DESTINATIONS
For a longer, more scenic trip, take in the Crusader Fort of Karak, (see the section on Crusader Castles in this brochure). Alternatively, make Madaba your first stop on a King's Highway journey ending at Petra, Wadi Rum or even Aqaba!