Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Jordan · Balqa · -350 m
Description
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (المغطس), called Al-Maghtas in Arabic, is the place on the east bank of the Jordan River where John is held to have baptised Jesus. The site was identified from Byzantine pilgrim accounts and the sixth-century Madaba Map, and it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. A boardwalk leads through tamarisk scrub past the remains of Byzantine churches, baptismal pools and a pilgrim hostel to the riverbank itself, where the water is only a few metres wide. Nearby Elijah's Hill, or Tell al-Kharrar, holds cave dwellings and the foundations of a monastery, and is traditionally where the prophet Elijah ascended. Several modern churches have been built on the surrounding plots by different denominations. The whole site lies well below sea level, has almost no shade, and can only be entered with the official shuttle.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Travel season
Best time to visit: February – March or November – December
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Baptism Site of Jesus at the Jordan River (Al-Maghtas)
- Byzantine Churches of St John the Baptist and the Cruciform Baptistery
- Greek Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist
- Jordan River Bank Viewpoint
- Chapel of Pope John Paul II
- Church of the Baptism of Jesus
- Pilgrimage Churches of the Christian Denominations
- Elijah's Hill (Tell al-Kharrar)
- Byzantine Baptism Pools
- Roman Prayer Hall
- Monastery of Rhetorios
- Hermit Caves of Wadi al-Kharrar
- Chapel of St Mary of Egypt
- Chapel of the Mantle
- Spring of John the Baptist
- Wadi al-Kharrar Walking Trail
- Baptism Site Visitor Centre and Exhibition