Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) is the site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, according to the Bible. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River and features ancient Roman and Byzantine remains including churches, baptismal pools, and monk's caves. Archaeological discoveries since the 1990s have confirmed this as the biblical 'Bethany beyond the Jordan' where John the Baptist lived and baptized. Today, it's a place of pilgrimage for Christians from around the world and a powerful spiritual experience regardless of religious background.
Read Bethany Beyond the Jordan Travel BlogKey Information
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather
How to Get There: Bethany Beyond the Jordan is located about 50 km west of Amman, near the Dead Sea. You can reach it by rental car, taxi, or organized tour from Amman (approximately 45 minutes drive).
Top Attractions in Bethany Beyond the Jordan
- Baptism Site
- John the Baptist Church
- Jordan River
- Byzantine Churches
- Elijah's Hill
- Baptismal Pools
- Pilgrim's Rest Area
Things to Do in Bethany Beyond the Jordan
- Visit the exact spot where Jesus was baptized
- See the remains of ancient churches and monasteries
- Walk down to the Jordan River
- Attend a baptism ceremony (with prior arrangement)
- Visit the new churches built by different Christian denominations
- Learn about the site's biblical and historical significance
Where to Stay in Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Travel Tips for Bethany Beyond the Jordan
- The site can only be visited with an official guide (included in the entrance fee)
- Dress modestly as this is a religious site
- Bring a bottle to collect Jordan River water if you wish
- Tours last about 1.5-2 hours
- Combine with a visit to the Dead Sea for a full day trip
- Bring sun protection as there is limited shade
Bethany Beyond the Jordan Travel Articles
View All Articles →
The Baptism Site: Religious Significance and Visitor's Guide
Understanding the spiritual importance and practical information for visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan.
Visiting Tips for Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Essential advice for making the most of your visit to this sacred site.
The Archaeological Discoveries at Bethany Beyond the Jordan
How modern archaeology confirmed the biblical accounts of this ancient baptism site.