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Al-Maghtas
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Al-Maghtas, officially known as 'Bethany Beyond the Jordan', is the UNESCO-recognized site of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. Located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, the archaeological zone includes remains of Byzantine and Roman churches, baptismal pools, and a sophisticated water delivery system. Historical texts and pilgrim accounts from the 4th to 6th centuries confirm the importance of this location as one of the holiest centers of Christendom. The site was extensively excavated and opened to visitors following the 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel. Key finds include the foundations of a riverside chapel where the baptism is said to have occurred and the ruins of the monastery on Elijah's Hill. In 2015, Al-Maghtas was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its role in documenting a continuous tradition of religious devotion spanning two millennia.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Bethany Saphsaphas · Cave Cells · romanian church
- Nearby: Ma'in Hot Springs (22 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 63 | 58 | 32 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 29 | 52 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Al-Maghtas, the Baptism Site of Jesus, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is open to visitors. The area includes several archaeological sites and churches that can be visited.
Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, sometimes longer in summer. It is recommended to come early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, but not inside the churches during services. The Jordan River itself provides a special backdrop for souvenir photos.
Time needed
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough visit of the entire complex. This gives you enough time to see the main sites and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Combine with
Al-Maghtas is located near the Dead Sea, making it well-suited to combine a visit to both sites. The city of Madaba, famous for its mosaics, is also a short drive away.
Getting there
The site is located about 50 kilometers west of Amman and is accessible by car or taxi via a well-maintained desert road. There are also organized bus tours from Amman and the Dead Sea.
Insider tip
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the site is extensive with little shade. A guided tour can be very rewarding to fully understand the biblical and historical significance of the site.
Geography
Facts
- Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
- Traditional site of the ascension of the Prophet Elijah.
- Contains five successive Byzantine churches on the riverbank.
- Archaeological remains at the site date back to the Roman era.
- Visited by Pope John Paul II in 2000 to confirm its authenticity.
- Features a unique cross-shaped baptismal pool used by early Christians.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Al-Maghtas (8)
Bethany beyond the Jordan Archaeological Park📍 landmark
An archaeological park along the Jordan protecting several ancient church ruins and baptismal pools.
🌐 baptismsite.com🕒 08:00-16:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Al-Maghtas?
The official site of the baptism of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River.
Is swimming allowed in the Jordan River?
You can symbolically dip in designated spots, but swimming is not allowed.
How does the visit work?
Visitors park at the center and are taken by shuttle buses to the archaeological sites.
Is a reservation required?
Not mandatory, but you should check the fixed shuttle departure times.
How much is the entry fee?
It costs 12 JOD for foreigners; can be added at a discount when buying the Jordan Pass.
Al-Maghtas: where is it located?
Al-Maghtas is located in Jordan.
Al-Maghtas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bethany Saphsaphas, Cave Cells, romanian church.
Al-Maghtas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Al-Maghtas: why is it worth visiting?
Al-Maghtas, officially known as 'Bethany Beyond the Jordan', is the UNESCO-recognized site of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.
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