Al-Maghtas, Jordan
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The east-bank site where John baptised — identified by Byzantine pilgrim accounts, mosaics and the ruins they described.
Biblical significance
Al-Maghtas sits on the Jordanian side of the river, where excavation since 1996 has uncovered churches, baptismal pools and a pilgrim hostel exactly where the sixth-century Madaba Map places them. The river here is startlingly narrow and muddy. On the opposite bank, Qasr al-Yahud serves the same tradition from Israel.
Scripture
Loading the passage…
Open in YouVersion →Loading the passage…
Open in YouVersion →Loading the passage…
Open in YouVersion →Excerpts from the World English Bible. Full text opens in the YouVersion Bible app.
Best time to go
Winter and spring; the site is punishing in summer.
Visitor notes
UNESCO site, guided shuttle only. White robes are sold on site for those who wish to enter the water.
Coordinates
31.8372, 35.5486
On the map
Open the world atlasPlan your pilgrimage
Getting to Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Everything you need to turn this holy place into a journey. We may earn a commission from these partner links, at no extra cost to you.
Share this page
Nearby in this category
5/5 SignificanceJerusalem, Israel
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The site venerated since the fourth century as both Golgotha and the empty tomb — six denominations, one roof, no easy peace.
5/5 SignificanceBethlehem, Palestine
Church of the Nativity
The oldest church in continuous daily use in the Christian world, standing over a limestone cave marked by a fourteen-pointed silver star.
5/5 SignificanceTiberias, Israel
Sea of Galilee
A freshwater lake 210 metres below sea level where most of Jesus' public ministry took place — and still recognisably itself.