Thing to do
Rainbow Street
One of Amman's oldest streets, running east from First Circle through Jabal Amman with cafés, rooftop restaurants, craft showrooms and city views.
Baptism Site Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The UNESCO-listed site on the Jordan River identified as Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John baptised Jesus, visited with a shuttle and local guide.
At a glance
- Type
- Day trip: UNESCO pilgrimage site
- Area
- Jordan Valley, Amman, Jordan
- Official site
- baptismsite.com
Good to know
- Shuttle bus and local guide included in ticket
- John the Baptist Trail
- Baptism pools
Why we recommend it
The Baptism Site, known in Arabic as Al-Maghtas, is the place on the east bank of the Jordan River identified as Bethany beyond the Jordan, mentioned in John 1:28 as the place where John the Baptist was baptising. It is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and it lies in the Jordan Valley about nine kilometres north of the Dead Sea, which makes it an easy addition to a Dead Sea day trip from Amman.
Visits are organised. The entrance fee includes a shuttle bus and a local guide, who leads groups through Wadi al-Kharrar, the Wilderness of John, to the main sites. These include the place where Jesus is believed to have been baptised, the remains of ancient baptismal pools, Elijah's Hill, John the Baptist's spring and cave, and the hermits' cave cells, as well as the bank of the Jordan River itself, where visitors can renew baptismal vows. Pilgrims who want more time can follow the three-kilometre John the Baptist Trail, for which a free guide can be downloaded from the website.
The site suits pilgrims of every denomination, and church leaders from the Catholic, Orthodox, Armenian, Anglican and Baptist traditions have visited. It also interests anyone curious about the history of the region. Allow around two hours for the guided visit. Dress modestly, wear comfortable shoes for the walk, and bring water, a hat and sun protection, since the valley is far below sea level and can be very hot from late spring to autumn.
The site opens at 08:00 daily. From 1 April to 31 October the last entry is at 17:00, and from 1 November to 31 March it is at 16:00. Baptisms in the river can be arranged in advance through the site's contact page, where private prayer areas and dedicated baptism pools are available, and the site hosts an annual Epiphany celebration. If you want to prepare, the website offers an online tour of the site and background on its history, from Moses viewing the Jordan from Mount Nebo to the site's rediscovery in modern times.
The site is about an hour's drive from Amman. Most visitors come by taxi, private driver or organised tour, often combining it with Mount Nebo or a swim at one of the Dead Sea's public beaches on the same day.
Baptism Site Bethany Beyond the Jordan FAQs
What is the Baptism Site?
The UNESCO-listed site on the Jordan River identified as Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John baptised Jesus.
When is it open?
From 08:00 daily, with last entry at 17:00 from April to October and at 16:00 from November to March.
What does the ticket include?
A shuttle bus and a local guide.
How long should you allow?
Around two hours.
Can you be baptised there?
Yes, baptisms can be arranged in advance through the site's contact page.
Where is it?
In the Jordan Valley, about nine kilometres north of the Dead Sea.
What should you bring?
Modest clothing, comfortable shoes, water and sun protection.
Is there a walking trail?
Yes, the three-kilometre John the Baptist Trail, with a free downloadable guide.