On the east bank of the Jordan, about nine kilometres north of the Dead Sea, Christian tradition places the baptism of Jesus by John — "Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptising" (John 1:28). Byzantine churches, pools and hermit caves mark centuries of pilgrimage, and in 2015 the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- The Jordan River at the baptism steps
- Byzantine church foundations and baptism pools
- Elijah's Hill (Tell el-Kharrar)
- Guided walk from the visitor centre
- Where three popes have prayed