Bethany Beyond Jordan (Baptism Site)

The site of John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptized, is long known from the Bible (John 1:28 and 10:40) and from Byzantine and medieval texts.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan is located half an hour by car from Amman. The site, identified on the east bank of the Jordan River, in Jordan, is systematically surveyed, excavated, restored and prepared to receive pilgrims and visitors. 

The Bethany area sites formed part of the early Christian pilgrimage route between Jerusalem, the Jordan River and Mount Nebo.

The area is also associated with the biblical account of the Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias in Arabic) ascending to heaven on a chariot of fire in a whirlwind.