VISITING BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN: WHERE JESUS WAS BAPTIZED

Al-Maghtas, otherwise known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, has been a place of pilgrimage for Christians since St John the Baptist conducted his ministry and baptized Jesus of Nazareth. 

Tour of the Baptism Archeological Park

We started our tour at Elijah Hill and then proceeded to the baptismal site and then down to the river Jordan. 

Baptismal Site of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Jesus’ baptismal site is believed to be in the springs of Wadi al-Kharrar, which flows to the Jordan. They assume the River Jordan was too dangerous and murky to perform baptisms. 

Elijah’s Hill – Tell Mar Elias

Tell Mar Elias, or Elijah’s Hill, is where it is said the prophet Elijah rose into the heavens on a fiery chariot in the 9th Century BC. 

St John’s Cave

On the western side of Elijah’s Hill, is a small cave where John lived, and where Jesus was known to visit him. This is considered a very Holy site and therefore a church was built around the cave, which you can see the remains of. 

Church of St John the Baptist

The Byzantine‐style frescos inside are stunning, especially the Jesus Christ one on the ceiling under the dome. 

Jordan River, on the Israeli – Jordan border

Huge Israeli and Palestinian flags wave above a platform at the West Bank site, Qasr Al Yahud, another popular place for pilgrims to visit. 

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