In the Moab region

Between well-being and spirituality

[Tripper: Paola]

IT

Whatever our origins and whatever the number of countries we have already visited, the encounter with the holy land is anything but obvious. This is everyone's land: loved and disputed by Jews, Christians and Muslims, a hospitable land since the times when merchants from all over the world traveled the road of the Kings selling incense.
The sacred scriptures place on Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab, the place where Moses had the vision of the promised land that God had destined for his people. Moses never reached it and here on this mountain he ended his earthly life.

Moab Area (Jordan)

Mount Nebo

We are not far from the city of Madaba, facing Israel with Jericho and Jerusalem. We are in central Jordan between Amman and Aqaba.
The ancient name Moab of this area derives from the Moabite people who settled here well before Christ. The earth is dried up by the sun so much that it seems arid, sparse oases dot some stretches with just green. In reality, this area does not lack opportunities for visits and activities that will satisfy every sense.
On Mount Nebo there is a fenced park with a traced path which, through olive trees and symbols, will take you to the top, where the sanctuary stands. Just outside you can admire the stick of Moses, a sculpture created in 1972. It represents a snake coiled on the cross to remember the snake of Moses to protect the Jewish people.
Inside you can admire splendid mosaics with hunting and shepherding scenes, which are an opportunity to delve into the art of mosaic, very flourishing in the Madaba school. The masterpiece mosaic of the region is conserved in Madaba inside the church of San Giorgio. Discovered by chance during the construction of the church, the huge mosaic reproduces the map of the Middle East with descriptions of Palestine, Syria and above all Jerusalem. In the part that has remained intact, 156 names of different places are mentioned, almost a Google Map of antiquity.
Madaba houses many other mosaics that decorated private homes and churches in the Byzantine era. If you are interested in learning more, also visit the Madaba Archaeological Park, established to preserve archaeological remains from the Roman era, where you will also find precious Byzantine mosaic floors.
If you love the art of mosaic we suggest a visit to a workshop. Some were born thanks to Caritas which through this ancient art tries to give hope to many refugees from Syria and Iraq, or help disabled children to express themselves through art.
In this area you can also dedicate yourself to the well-being of the body, as well as that of the soul.
In fact, not far away you will find the Ma'in springs, a quiet place, more than 200 meters below sea level, hidden in the mountains which collects very hot waters (between 45 and 60 degrees Celsius) with excellent healing powers for the skin , for muscle relaxation, for circulation and much more. The waters are rich in sodium, chloride, sulphur, iron, carbon dioxide, bromide and radon. You have to dive with a lot of clamor because they get hot. Access to these pools is found within some Resorts frequented mostly by the locals who come here for treatment. I assure you that between these waters and the Dead Sea treatments, I have completely recovered from a dermatitis that has been tormenting me for some time.
There, I mentioned it: the Dead Sea. Obviously he is the super star of this Jordanian area. Immersing yourself in the very salty waters of this lifeless sea, fed by the Jordan, is an experience to do at least once.
Thanks to the very high salinity, due to the absence of life in its waters, floating in the waters of the Dead Sea is quite easy, while it is much more complicated to keep it under your legs. Swimming or strenuous activities are not recommended because the water is so salty that it burns your eyes even with just a drop. For this reason, fresh water pumps are available on the beach of the resorts (we stayed at the Crowne plaza) to rinse the face and the rest of the body. If you want to enjoy the treatment to the fullest, sprinkle yourself with mud, let it dry and then immerse yourself in the water to cleanse yourself. Repeat at least a few times. Naturally, Jordan does not end there, but this story is expressly dedicated to the central area. You can read more of our suggestions in the following articles:

Overwhelmed with beauty
From the Siq to the Petra treasury

Of silence and stars
Suggestions from Wadi Rum