At the baptism site of “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas), access is controlled at a single entrance. Designated paths are used for visitor tours and pilgrim processions; check the latest official guidance before your trip.
Baptism Site: Religious Significance and History
The baptism site comprises two archaeological areas: Tell el-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar Elias, and the area of the Churches of Saint John the Baptist. Bethany Beyond the Jordan is considered by the majority of Christian denominations to be the place where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist.
The history of religious use also stretches far back: generations of monks, hermits, pilgrims and priests stayed at and visited the baptism site. Evidence of their religious activities dates from the 4th to the 15th century AD. The site’s archaeological layout and its religious history thus stand alongside one another as two distinct points of reference.
Basalt, Townscape and Crafts
The basalt architecture of Umm Al-Jimāl reflects local Hauran styles of residential and religious buildings. The settlement developed from around the 5th century AD on the site of an older Roman settlement and remained inhabited until the end of the 8th century AD. Its construction and settlement history offer different perspectives: on regional architectural styles and on the development of the site over several centuries.
As-Salt offers a different architectural perspective. There, a narrow pedestrian street runs along the slopes between traditional Ottoman stone buildings, which are considered to be 150 years old. While basalt and settlement phases take center stage in Umm Al-Jimāl, in As-Salt the focus is on a street and the buildings along its route.
Crafts and culture also offer different themes. At The Biscuit House, visitors can tour the workshop where Tasali Jordanian delights are made. Check before your visit whether access is currently possible. The Shaqilah Centre offers workshops and interactive lessons on Nabataean history and the cultural significance of traditional crafts; check in advance whether the program is currently running.
Hiking Trails with Different Profiles
In Ajloun Forest Reserve, a short loop trail starts at the campsite and offers views across the reserve. The Nawatef Trail runs from the Al-Barrah area to the Nawatef area and the lodge; it leads to mountains, springs and ancient ruins. It is open year-round, but can only be accessed with a licensed guide. Check the latest operating information before your trip. The two routes have different features: the short loop trail has a specified starting point and views, while the Nawatef Trail is described by its destination areas, landscape features and guide requirement.
Beyond these individual routes, the Jordan Trail passes through forested hills in the north, rugged wadis and cliffs above the Jordan Rift Valley, through Petra and on to the Red Sea. For a specific route in Petra, the path from the Visitor Center through the Siq to the Treasury is also Petra’s most visited trail. Within the hiking theme, this distinguishes a broad landscape description from a clearly named route in Petra.
More Impressions
For those interested in the past, Aqaba is known for its local eateries and historic character. At the Dead Sea, visitors use the rich, black mud. Each offers a distinct focus: in Aqaba, local life and historic character take center stage; at the Dead Sea, it is the use of the mud.
When choosing what to experience on your trip, it is therefore worth considering the themes that interest you most: religious history, architecture, crafts or trails through varied landscapes. The places and experiences described here do not offer a single way to discover Jordan, but rather a range of starting points for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Madaba, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Ma'an, Aţ Ţayyibah, Irbid, Jarash, Kerak, Ma'an, Zarqa, Amman, Aqaba, Ajloun, Ajloun, Balqa Governorate, Mafraq Governorate, Irbid Governorate, Madaba Governorate.
