Bethany Beyond the Jordan: UNESCO Baptism Site

Overview

Nine kilometers north of the Dead Sea, where the Jordan River’s eastern bank meets a landscape of tamarisk trees and exposed clay, the archaeological site of Al Maghtas preserves what the early church identified as the place where John the Baptist administered the baptism of Jesus. UNESCO inscribed the site as a World Heritage property in . The remains here are not a single monument but a distributed landscape of churches, monasteries, baptismal pools, and hermit caves spanning the 1st through 7th centuries CE.

The site was rediscovered in 1994 following the Israel Jordan peace treaty, which opened previously restricted military zones along the
Jordan River. Systematic excavation revealed structures that matched descriptions by medieval pilgrims and early church historians. In 2000, Pope John Paul II visited and authenticated the location.

What the Site Contains

The archaeological area is divided into two main zones. Tell Al Kharrar, also called Elijah’s Hill, contains remains associated with the Old Testament prophet Elijah and early hermitic settlement. A rectangular pool, interpreted as a Byzantine era baptismal font, sits near the hill. Caves in the surrounding slopes show evidence of monastic occupation. The second zone, closer to the Jordan River, contains the Churches of St. John the Baptist. The earliest church foundations date to the 5th century CE, with later expansions and rebuilding through the 7th century. A marble slab marks the traditional spot of the baptism. The Jordan River itself is accessible at the site’s western edge, though the river today is narrower and shallower than in antiquity.

The New Church of the Baptism of the Lord

In January 2025, the Church of the Baptism of the Lord was consecrated on the site, built with the support of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It is the largest Catholic church in Jordan. The modern structure sits alongside the ancient remains, creating a continuity between the archaeological record and active pilgrimage.
Visiting Bethany Guided tours are mandatory and depart from the visitor center at regular intervals. An electric shuttle transports visitors approximately 2 kilometers from the visitor center to the archaeological area, as private vehicles are not permitted past the entrance. The tour follows a marked route through the major structures, with guides providing historical and religious context.

Detail Information
Location 9 km north of the Dead Sea; 45 minutes from Amman Entry Fee 12 JD standalone; 8 JD as Jordan Pass add-on Opening Hours Open daily; morning departures recommended Time Needed 2 to 3 hours (including shuttle and guided tour) Getting There Rental car, taxi, or organized tour from Dead Sea or Amman Dress Code Modest clothing required (shoulders and knees covered) Accessibility Shuttle provided; some uneven terrain at archaeological site.