Too often, religious sites can become noisy and chaotic tourist traps, which kind of defeats the purpose of a place that is supposed to evoke meditative peace and spirituality, right?

Bethany Beyond the Jordan, however, one of the most peaceful and holy sites in the world, is a rare exception. It is a hidden gem in the Holy Land and a meditative place that is perfect for contemplation, exploration, and learning.

Read on for more information about the rich history of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and learn what it’s like to visit it today!

Experience the incredible historical and archaeological value of this holy place.

Also known as Al-Maghtas, Bethany Beyond the Jordan is a holy site north of the Dead Sea where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus Christ. Beginning during the Byzantine era, faithful Christians have worshipped this place and conducted baptism ceremonies of their own. Even today, many Jordanian Christians hold baptisms at the site: Being baptized in the exact same place where Jesus Christ is believed to have been baptized is an incomparable spiritual experience.

The second part of the holy site, Tell Mar Elias is located nearby. This is the hill from which the prophet Elijah is said to have ascended to heaven, and here it is possible to explore the archaeological site of a Byzantine monastery, as well as various chapels and caves. Tell Mar Elias is marked by a church honoring Elijah.

Because of its religious and historical value, Bethany Beyond the Jordan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The incredible archaeological ruins, ancient churches, and baptismal pools that you’ll find here are testament to the significance of the site.

Make a meaningful religious pilgrimage.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan is only an hour’s drive from Jordan's capital, Amman, yet it somehow seems ages away from the chaotic bustle of the city. The site is kept and maintained as a wilderness area, meaning that the quiet peace that you’ll experience on the banks of the Jordan River makes it a beautiful place to reflect and pray.

Surrounded by the pools in which early Christians conducted baptism ceremonies and the calm, quiet caves in which monks and hermits worshipped, it’s easy to appreciate the stunning spirituality of this holy place. In visiting the Baptism Site and Tell Mar Elias, you will experience firsthand the religious authenticity of this place. 

Organized tours and knowledgeable local guides are readily available at Bethany Beyond the Jordan.

Although Bethany Beyond the Jordan is easy to reach by bus or taxi, there are also numerous organized tours that you can take to ensure that you get the most out of your experience.

For instance, this private tour includes transportation and entrance fees, as well as the services of a local guide who will show you around the baptismal site and the archaeological ruins. There is even an option to visit nearby ancient caves as well.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan is only one of many incredible religious biblical sites that you can experience during your time in Jordan. To read more in-depth information on other holy sites in this country, download our Guide to Religion and Faith!