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.
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.
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.