The 5th-7th Century Basilica

In the latter half of the 6th century the monks decided to enlarge their sanctuary. When removing the facade, the primitive church became the presbytery and the three naves built on the site of the old vestibule and courtyard.

The mosaic work decorating the new basilica integrated into a single large design or composition centered on a grapevine, with a swastika motif running along the perimeter of the interior of the building. Of this large composition, all that remains today are some geometric designs from the two lateral naves, a large section of the panels that adorned the intervals between the columns, and two fragments from the central nave.

Mount Nebo Guide: The Old Diaconicon Baptistery | The 5th-7th Century Basilica | The New Diaconicon | The Theotokos Chapel