The site of Jesus Christ’s baptism (Al-Maghtas), and the beginning of his public ministry according to the Gospels, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015 under the name “Bethany Beyond the Jordan.” It lies 9 km north of the Dead Sea on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, in the heart of the tranquil Wadi al-Kharrar, surrounded by rare Dead Sea plants and migratory birds. The site is divided into two main archaeological areas: Tell al-Kharrar (Elias Hill) and the area of ​​churches and temples near the river, which includes baptismal pools, hermitages, and monastic caves dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods.

You can walk along a serene natural path through the verdant grasses to reach the precise spot where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospels (John 1:28, Matthew 3:13–17). Here, visitors experience a unique and profound spirituality, with a view of the flowing river, which has retained its sanctity for thousands of years, despite its changing course.

The area contains stunning ruins dating back to the early centuries of Christianity, including the Church of John the Baptist. Archaeological excavations began in 1996, following demining after the 1994 peace treaty, and in subsequent years, the remains of churches and Byzantine structures were uncovered, confirming the site’s connection to Bethany Beyond the Jordan as an early pilgrimage center. The area also holds biblical significance, including the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Zoar (nearby Safi), and the cave of Lot and his daughters, making the Baptism Site a historical gateway to the major events of the Jordan Valley.

Today, the Baptism Site is a prominent international destination for Christian pilgrims who perform the modern baptismal rite in the river’s waters, within dedicated facilities that include changing rooms and visitor services.

Comfortable footwear is recommended for walking on the gravel and uneven terrain. Visitors can enjoy an experience that blends faith, history, and natural beauty in a place that connects earth and heaven, offering a profound spiritual and historical journey where the past meets the present.