World Heritage Identification Number: 1446
World Heritage since: 2015
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇯🇴 Jordan
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Arab States
Map
The Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas): A Holy Landmark of Christian History
The Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas), inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, stands as a significant landmark in the annals of Christian history. Situated on the eastern bank of the River Jordan, approximately nine kilometers north of the Dead Sea, this archaeological site holds immense spiritual and historical significance for millions of Christians worldwide.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Situated on the eastern bank of the River Jordan, nine kilometres north of the Dead Sea, the archaeological site consists of two distinct areas: Tell Al-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill) and the area of the churches of Saint John the Baptist near the river. Situated in a pristine natural environment the site is believed to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. It features Roman and Byzantine remains including churches and chapels, a monastery, caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated, testifying to the religious character of the place. The site is a Christian place of pilgrimage.
Encyclopedia Record: Al-Maghtas
Al-Maghtas, officially known as Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan", is an archaeological World Heritage Site in Jordan, on the east bank of the Jordan River, reputed to be the location of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and venerated as such since at least the Byzantine period. The place has also been referred to as Bethabara and historically Bethany.Additional Site Details
Area: 294.155 hectares
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 31.8372222222 , 35.5527777778
