BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN
Bethany Beyond the Jordan is a UNESCO World Heritage site revered globally as the location where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Situated on the east bank of the Jordan River, it is a spiritual focal point for millions of pilgrims.
This sacred archaeological and pilgrimage site holds profound significance, encompassing the remains of Roman and Byzantine churches, chapels, a monastery, and baptismal pools, all nestled within a peaceful, preserved setting.
Most Popular Attractions
The Baptism Site Core:
Tel Al-Kharrar (Elijah’s Hill): A small hill where the Prophet Elijah is believed to have ascended to heaven. It is a central point with ruins of a 5th-century Byzantine chapel and a system of water channels.
The Area of the Springs (Ainón): The section where John the Baptist began his ministry, noted in the Gospel of John as “Ainón near Salim,” where there was plenty of water.
The John the Baptist Church: The remains of a grand 5th-century Byzantine basilica and a monastery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
The Cave of John the Baptist: A small, natural cave believed to be where St. John the Baptist lived and preached, later converted into a church by Byzantine monks.
The Byzantine Water System: An intricate network of dams, channels, and reservoirs used by the monks and hermits who settled in the area.
The Lower Baptism Site (Qasr al-Yahud View): The actual spot on the Jordan River where baptisms traditionally take place today, offering a view of the adjacent Israeli site, Qasr al-Yahud.
The Mosaics and Pavements: Remains of intricate floor mosaics found in the ruins of the Byzantine churches and chapels.
Monastic and Pilgrim Remains:
The Early Byzantine Church: The earliest known church at the site, featuring a large baptismal pool, providing evidence of the site’s importance for early Christian pilgrims.
The Roman-Byzantine Hermit Cells: Numerous small caves and shelters used by hermits and monks for ascetic living in the immediate vicinity of the holy site.
The Pilgrim Stations and Rest Houses: Ruins of structures built to accommodate the steady flow of pilgrims visiting the site in the Byzantine and early Islamic periods.
The Memorial Church of St. Elias: A modern Orthodox church built to commemorate the ascent of Prophet Elias (Elijah).
Modern Churches and Chapels (Post-2000 Era):
The Roman Catholic Church (Latin Patriarchate): A modern church and pilgrimage center built to serve the Catholic faithful visiting the Baptism Site.
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist: A beautifully constructed church on the banks of the river, with a distinctive dome.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church: A contemporary church built in the traditional Ethiopian architectural style.
The Coptic Orthodox Church: A modern chapel and monastery representing the Coptic community.
The Syrian Orthodox Church: A church complex built by the Syrian Orthodox Church.
The Armenian Orthodox Chapel: A small, dedicated chapel for Armenian pilgrims.
The Russian Orthodox Pilgrims’ Guesthouse and Church: A large complex offering accommodation and worship facilities.
Other Regional Sites of Interest:
The Dead Sea Panorama Complex: A resort and museum offering stunning panoramic views of the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley.
Mount Nebo: The site where Moses viewed the Promised Land, located a short drive from Al-Maghtas, with a magnificent mosaic museum.
Madaba (The Mosaic City): Famous for the 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, located in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.
Lot’s Cave: A remote site believed to be where Lot and his daughters took refuge after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Dead Sea Resorts: The concentration of hotels and spas on the nearby eastern shore of the Dead Sea, offering therapeutic mud and water treatments.
Activities & Experiences
Participate in a Baptism Service: For Christian visitors, arrangements can be made to participate in a symbolic renewal of baptismal vows in the waters of the Jordan River near the traditional site, a deeply moving and spiritual experience.
Take a Guided Tour of the Site: Join an official, mandatory guided tour to fully understand the historical, religious, and archaeological significance of Al-Maghtas, including the different churches and excavated remains.
Visit the New Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist: Explore the impressive, recently built church on the site, often featuring beautiful religious art and architecture.
Walk the Pilgrimage Path: Follow the ancient path, often marked by biblical verses and surrounded by natural greenery, that leads down to the riverbank and the spot traditionally revered as the location of Jesus’ baptism.
Explore Tell Al-Kharrar (Elijah’s Hill): Hike up the small hill within the site that is traditionally identified as the place where the Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire.
Observe the Jordan River from the Eastern Bank: Take a moment at the riverbank to reflect on the historical separation and peaceful continuity between the two nations (Jordan and Israel/Palestine) and the shared religious importance of the water.
Visit the Baptism Site Museum and Exhibition: Spend time at the visitor center to view the archaeological findings, historical context, and religious artifacts related to the site’s discovery and restoration.
Attend a Mass or Service: Check the schedule for the various Christian denominations that hold services at the different churches and chapels within the complex.
Purchase Holy Water and Souvenirs: The visitor center and nearby shops offer local religious items, including small bottles of water from the Jordan River.
Take Photographs of the Mosaic of the Baptism: Locate and admire the detailed mosaic artwork that depicts the baptism of Jesus and is often featured within the site’s chapels.
Meditate and Reflect at the Chapels: Spend quiet time in the various small, serene chapels built by different Christian denominations along the pilgrimage route.
Local Tips & Transport
Mandatory Site Transport: Access to the actual archaeological and river sites from the main Visitor Centre is strictly controlled. You must take the mandatory shuttle bus provided by the site’s management, as private vehicles are not permitted past the entrance.
By Car from Amman: The most convenient way to reach Al-Maghtas is by private or rental car (approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Amman). The site is well-signposted off the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65). There is ample parking at the Visitor Centre.
By Taxi or Ride-Share: Hiring a private taxi for a round trip from Amman or the Dead Sea resorts is a common option. Agree on the fare and the waiting time with the driver beforehand, as they will need to wait for your return.
Combined Tour: Many tourists visit Al-Maghtas as part of a half-day or full-day tour combined with the Dead Sea, which includes transport and entrance fees. This is often the most hassle-free option.
Respectful Attire is Essential: As a holy site, modest dress is required for all visitors. This means covering shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting, conservative clothing is highly recommended.
Guided Tours are Mandatory: The site is a protected archaeological and religious area. All visitors must enter as part of an official, escorted group with a licensed guide provided by the management. Allow at least 2-3 hours for the full visit.
Bring Water and Wear a Hat: The weather, especially in the Jordan Valley, can be extremely hot and dry for much of the year. There is limited shade on the paths, so bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
The Jordan River’s Appearance: Visitors may be surprised that the river is a narrow, muddy stream, not a wide, pristine body of water. Its significance is purely historical and religious, not aesthetic.
Baptismal Wear: If you plan to participate in a symbolic baptism (renewal of vows), white robes are available for rent at the Visitor Centre. You must change and use the designated facilities.
Hidden Gems:
- The Cave of John the Baptist: Visit the small, excavated cave near the riverbank that is traditionally believed to have been the dwelling of St. John the Baptist.
- The Byzantine Water System: The archaeological remnants of ancient pools and an elaborate water system used for baptisms in the early Christian era are a fascinating insight into the site’s history.
Security and the Border: The site is very close to the international border with Israel/Palestine. Visitors will notice security checkpoints, and the Israeli Baptism Site (Qasr al-Yahud) is visible across the river. Follow all instructions from your guide and security personnel.
Top Restaurants
Haret Jdoudna [$25-$40] – Located in a beautifully restored old Madaba house with an open courtyard, this restaurant is a local institution that serves traditional Jordanian mezze (appetizers) and main courses like Mansaf in a warm, authentic setting.
Abo Jbara [$15-$25] – A no-frills, highly-regarded local spot, likely in Madaba or the Dead Sea area, famous for its excellent and fresh hummus, foul (fava bean stew), and falafel, often serving breakfast and light traditional meals.
Madaba’s Local Bakeries and Kiosks [$5-$15] – While not a single restaurant, exploring the town of Madaba will lead you to small, unassuming spots selling freshly baked Khubz (flatbread), Manakish (za’atar or cheese bread), or simple grilled meat sandwiches, which are the true local “fast food.”
Jawharat Madaba Restaurant [$20-$35] – A reliable and popular local choice in Madaba for a wide range of Jordanian and Middle Eastern dishes, from soups and salads to large grilled platters.
Fakhr Al-Din Restaurant (Madaba) [$20-$35] – A local Madaba restaurant offering a menu focused on authentic Levantine and Jordanian dishes, popular for family gatherings and known for good service.
Abu Ziad Restaurant (South Shuna) [$15-$25] – A hidden, very local spot in the Jordan Valley (South Shuna) known for simple, rustic, and very large portions of traditional home-style cooking, often frequented by workers and regional residents.
Al-Baraka Restaurant (Madaba) [$20-$35] – A well-known spot in Madaba that offers a great selection of traditional hot and cold mezze, specializing in grilled meats (Mashawi) and traditional Jordanian stews.
Shams El Balad Bakery (Madaba) [$10-$20] – A favorite among local families for buying high-quality pastries and traditional baked goods like Kunafeh (sweet cheese pastry) and savory fatayer.
Al-Afendi Restaurant (Madaba) [$20-$35] – Known for serving generous portions of classic Jordanian dishes, this spot is highly favored by residents for a traditional Friday lunch.
Al-Sultan Restaurant (Madaba) [$25-$40] – Offers a slightly more upscale but still authentic traditional dining experience in Madaba, with a focus on quality lamb and rice dishes.
Madaba Inn Restaurant [$15-$25] – Part of a local hotel, but the restaurant is often frequented by locals for its consistent and classic Jordanian breakfast and lunch menus.
Madaba Restaurant for Traditional Foods [$20-$30] – A modest, family-run restaurant in Madaba that focuses on the daily special, which is often a different home-cooked classic like Maqluba or Mousakhan.
Al-Mithqal Restaurant (South Shuna) [$15-$25] – A very local and simple eatery in the Jordan Valley known for serving excellent, freshly prepared shawarma and falafel wraps.
Al-Saeed Restaurant (Madaba) [$20-$35] – A popular choice for a traditional late lunch after visiting the sites, specializing in charcoal-grilled chicken and lamb kebabs.
Madaba Corner Restaurant [$15-$25] – A small, unassuming corner spot in Madaba known for its great value and delicious local sandwiches and freshly squeezed juices.
Madaba Gate Restaurant [$20-$35] – Located near the city entrance, it’s a favorite stop for locals traveling into the area for a quick but quality traditional meal.
Umm Qais Restaurant (Madaba) [$25-$40] – Though named after a city in the north, this Madaba establishment serves a range of Jordanian regional specialties with a rustic, home-cooked feel.
Al-Dana Restaurant (South Shuna) [$15-$25] – Popular among the local farming community in the Jordan Valley for its filling, simple, and flavorful lunches, often featuring local vegetables.
Madaba Grill & Shawerma [$10-$20] – A straightforward, highly-rated local grill house that focuses on perfectly seasoned and cooked grilled meats and traditional shawerma platters.
The Lowest Point Restaurant (Near Dead Sea) [$40-$70] – While a resort restaurant, it offers a truly unique experience, serving high-quality international and Jordanian cuisine at the lowest point on Earth, popular with both tourists and local families celebrating special occasions.
A Bedouin Zarb Experience (Various Camps) [$40-$80] – This is a communal dining experience, not a typical restaurant, where meat (lamb or chicken) and vegetables are slow-cooked in a subterranean oven (Zarb). This authentic Bedouin barbecue must be booked in advance and is a highly recommended non-touristic local experience offered near the Dead Sea.
Wild Jordan Center (Amman – Relevant for Excursions) [$30-$50] – Located in Amman, but recommended for its focus on products sourced from Jordan’s nature reserves and its support of local communities, serving creative Jordanian dishes in a unique setting.
The Dream Compound Dining (Near Dead Sea) [$30-$50] – A resort compound near the Baptism Site which has dining options that blend international resort cuisine with local flavors, catering to the pilgrims and local weekenders in the area.
Dead Sea Panorama Restaurant [$35-$60] – Located on a cliff overlooking the Dead Sea (a short drive from the site), this restaurant offers one of the best views in the region alongside a menu of popular local and international dishes.
South Shuna Local Grill House (Unbranded) [$15-$25] – Seek out a simple, unbranded roadside grill in the South Shuna area, where the focus is entirely on perfectly grilled chicken and fresh salads for a very local, authentic feel.
Local Home Cooking Class/Meal [$40-$60] – Not a restaurant, but an increasingly popular way to experience non-touristic Jordanian food is by booking a home-cooked meal or cooking class with a local family in nearby Madaba, often found through local guides or community tourism projects.
Restaurant at Mount Nebo Hotel (Madaba) [$25-$40] – A hotel dining room often frequented by locals for its consistently good quality mezze and main courses, offering a calm alternative to the bustle of the city center.
Madaba’s Old City Cafe & Terrace [$15-$25] – A simple cafe with a nice outdoor seating area in the old city of Madaba, perfect for a traditional Turkish coffee, local sweets, and light meals like sandwiches or salads.
Traditional Bakery with Taboon Oven (South Shuna) [$5-$15] – Look for a local bakery in the Jordan Valley that utilizes a Taboon (clay oven) for baking bread, often selling simple, delicious filled pastries or local loaves.
Madaba Juice & Smoothie Stands [$5-$10] – Often found near the main markets, these stands offer incredibly fresh, non-pasteurized local fruit juices like pomegranate, carrot, or lemon-mint, a true local refreshment.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Acacia Bar & Lounge (Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa): An elegant bar located within the Dead Sea Marriott, offering a relaxed atmosphere, a great cocktail menu, and beautiful views of the sea, perfect for a sophisticated evening.
The Splash Bar & Restaurant (Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea): This is a popular outdoor pool bar at the Mövenpick resort, where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks and classic cocktails around the main swimming pools, often overlooking the Dead Sea.
Al Khayyam Bar and Al Hana Lounge (Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea): Situated in a truly Arabian setting overlooking the mystical Dead Sea, this lounge at the Mövenpick offers a wide array of hot and cold drinks, as well as an evening happy hour timed perfectly with the sunset.
The Lowest Bar in the World (Kalia Beach): While technically across the Dead Sea on the Israeli side, it is renowned as the lowest bar on Earth, offering a unique novelty drinking experience that complements the Dead Sea narrative.
The Edge Social Lounge (Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa): A serene and stylish lounge bar on the shores of the Dead Sea, offering a quiet escape and an exquisite selection of cocktails and fine beverages.
Juice Bar (Multiple Dead Sea Resorts): Found within the resort complexes, these are typically health-focused bars by the Dead Sea mud treatment areas, offering refreshing, non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails) and fresh juices in a tranquil setting with stunning views.
The Coffee Bar (Dead Sea Spa Resort): Overlooking the beautiful view of the Dead Sea and the hotel’s pool, this spot serves classic international cocktails, fresh brews, and teas in a relaxed ambiance.
Beach Lounge Bar (Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea): Located right on the beach area of the Mövenpick, this bar provides sunset cocktails and drinks by an infinity pool, with a spectacular view over the Dead Sea.
Snapi Disco (Near Dead Sea): An established club in the general area, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, which includes music and dancing, attracting both locals and tourists looking for a high-energy experience.
Disco Rama (Near Dead Sea/Amman Road): One of the region’s popular nightclubs, accessible from the Dead Sea, renowned for its energetic vibe, various themed nights, and a mix of music that keeps the dance floor moving.
Crystal Terrace (Dead Sea Spa Resort): During the summer season, this relaxing, sea-view terrace transforms with live entertainment, including bands and night shows, creating a lively atmosphere for dancing and evening fun.
The Cave Bar (Amman, The Boulevard): While a longer drive towards the capital, this is one of Jordan’s top-tier clubs. Its unique, subterranean setting and international DJ sets make it a major nightlife destination often accessed by tourists staying near the Dead Sea.
Black Iris Bar & Club (Amman): Another destination in the capital city of Amman, this venue is known for its sophisticated crowd, live music acts, and club nights, representing a premier party option for those willing to travel from the Dead Sea.
Beach Clubs & Parties (Dead Sea Resort Beaches): Many of the major Dead Sea resorts, such as the Mövenpick and the Crowne Plaza, host private events, pool parties, and beach parties, particularly during the summer season, which function as open-air clubs with DJs and dancing.