Bethany

Bethany Beyond the Jordan — Al-Maghtas in Arabic, meaning 'the immersion' — lies on the eastern bank of the River Jordan, 9 kilometres north of the Dead Sea. This is distinct from Bethany Al-Eizariya near Jerusalem (the village of Lazarus); Al-Maghtas is the baptismal Bethany of the Gospel of John. Venerated since the Byzantine period as the site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, it was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2015, covering 533 hectares. Excavations from 1996 to 2002 revealed three Byzantine churches, three baptismal pools, hermit caves and early monastic structures.

The riverside zone holds the ruined Church of St John the Baptist with its partially preserved mosaic floors, ancient baptismal pools and marble steps dating to around AD 570 descending to the Jordan. On Tell al-Kharrar above, hermit caves hollowed into the hillside sheltered ascetics drawn by the sacred location. The site draws some 81,000 visitors annually and has received papal delegations from John Paul II in 2000 and Pope Francis in 2014.

Al-Maghtas is approximately 50km west of Amman, a one-hour drive via the Dead Sea Highway. It sits 9km north of the Dead Sea resorts, making it an easy first stop on a day trip. Mount Nebo and Madaba are 30-40km northeast. Guided tours are strongly recommended to navigate the two distinct archaeological zones.