Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Kingdom of Jordan: The Site of the Baptism of Jesus

About Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas):

This location (not to be confused with Bethany where Martha, Mary and Lazarus lived) is the area where John the Baptist carried out his ministry and where he baptized Jesus. It is about 10 miles north of the Dead Sea and not far from Mount Nebo, in the Kingdom of Jordan.

Photo credit: Youssef Hilo, licensed tour guide & interpreter.

 

 

 

 

 

There was some debate as to whether Jesus entered from the east or west side of the river, and that will probably never be resolved, since the Biblical records do not give us those details.

What is known, however, is that this location on the East side of the Jordan River was a popular Christian pilgrimage site very early on. The remains of several churches have been unearthed on this spot. And, after further investigation, this site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That is why we feel that this is the actual location where Jesus was baptized.

Both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI visited here and Pope Francis visited here on his Holy Land pilgrimage in May 2014.

Nevertheless, you can still visit the opposite bank, as many groups do. Perhaps it is just more convenient, since you do not have to cross over to Jordan, although all you need to do is show your passport to enter Jordan from Israel. Often groups choose to renew their baptismal vows here, and it is a staple of most pilgrimages to the Holy Land to stop at the Jordan to renew their baptismal vows. You do not get re-baptized, since one baptism is sufficient.

You may want to take some water from the River Jordan back home with you. Although you can fill empty containers with water (bottles are for sale that say “Water from the Jordan”) it is not safe to drink. Please note these bottles are not always of the best quality (as is also the case in many shrines around the world) so we strongly suggest you transfer the water to a regular bottled-water bottle before returning home. And, of course, they will have to go in your checked luggage.  These regulations are ever-changing so be sure to find out the latest from the airline or tour operator!

The Church of the Baptism of Our Lord in Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas):

A new Catholic Church in the Holy Land is something to be celebrated, and the newest in many years was built here following the donation by King Abdullah II of Jordan of an  almost-7.5-acre plot of land on the outskirts of the historic site of Al-Maghtas (also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, in the Qafra region) in 2003.

The project was funded by the patriarchate and a number of charities, and also benefited from a donation of almost 1 million euros from the Hungarian government through its “Hungary Helps” program, designed to support Christian communities in difficulty around the world.

The construction of the Catholic church and monastery was overseen by former Patriarch Fouad Twal and Bishop Salim Sayegh, with significant contributions from Nadim Muasher, a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, who dedicated the project to his son, who tragically passed away in a car accident at the site.

One of the largest churches in the Middle East, with a capacity of over 1,000 people, , this new Catholic church covers an area of approximately 24,000 square feet (2,200 square meters) along with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It is the result of several years’ collaboration between the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Jordanian architect Nadim Muasher, a member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

The foundation stone was laid by Pope Benedict XVI during a visit to Jordan in 2009, alongside King Abdullah II.

Constructed from Tafouhi stone—yellowish stone from Hebron—the church features stained-glass windows crafted in Lebanon in the style of Chartres Cathedral, one of the most celebrated Gothic structures in France.

The relics of Pope John Paul II and the Holy Martyrs of Damascus, among others, are inside the Altar.

On January 10, 2025, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzabella, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the Mass during which the dedication of the Altar and the inauguration of the Church of the Baptism of the Lord at the Jordan River. The in a ceremony that was attended by some 6,000 faithful — including about 1,000 inside the building — according to an estimate by the Jordan Tourism Board. Among them were approximately 100 priests and 15 bishops from several countries.

The church hosts the annual pilgrimage to Al-Maghtas, every January. During this time, masses, prayers, and the renewal of baptismal vows take place all in celebration of the Feast of Christ’s baptism and its profound significance in the Christian Faith.  This church has been designated as a pilgrimage destination for the faithful to receive plenary indulgence during the Jubilee of Hope 2025.

The friars and nuns of the Incarnate Word maintain the site, host pilgrims, and lead prayer and Masses.

Note: the actual location is not yet shown on google maps….we will update when it becomes available.  Meantime, it is not hard to find.

 

Traveling to Bethany Beyond the Jordan:

Tel: +962 777 607036 or +962 5 3590360

email: baptismsite@orange.jo

Click here for the official website of Bethany beyond the Jordan.The official website of Bethany beyond the Jordan contains a lot of useful information: history, video tours and visitor information. Both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI visited here and Pope Francis visited here on his Holy Land pilgrimage in May 2014.

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