Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) World Heritage Site

Official name

Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) | UNESCO

Country

Jordan | Map

Continent

Asia

Location

31.8372° Lat, 35.5527° Lon | Map

Code

1446

Time Zone

Asia/Amman (+03, +0300)

Current Time

Category

Cultural

Description

Inscribed 2015. Situated on the eastern bank of the River Jordan, nine kilometres north of the Dead Sea, the archaeological site consists of two distinct areas: Tell Al-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill) and the area of the churches of Saint John the Baptist near the river. Situated in a pristine natural environment the site is believed to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. It features Roman and Byzantine remains including churches and chapels, a monastery, caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated, testifying to the religious character of the place. The site is a Christian place of pilgrimage.