Can the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ be visited on a tour of Jordan? And if so, how can it be integrated? The aim of this post is to answer these questions about this site, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan or by its Arabic name: Al-Maghtas. And we can tell you in advance that it is possible, so we will explain how we usually include this exciting stop in our travel packages.
Can the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ be visited?
Yes, the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ can be visited. However, it is necessary to update this information at the time of travel, as it may be affected by security restrictions. Let us remember that this place is right on the border with Israel, known as the 1994 Treaty Line. And if the political situation at the time is not calm, its visit could be discouraged or the site could even be closed.
On the other hand, it is worth remembering that the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ in Jordan is not the same as Qasr al-Yahud, which is very close but already in West Bank territory (Palestine) and, therefore, administered by Israel. Although baptismal rites are celebrated in Qasr al-Yahud because it is located on the Jordan River, the sacred site, visited by popes and Orthodox patriarchs, is the one featured in this post: Al-Maghtas or Bethany Beyond the Jordan.
Which tours include this visit?
Let us remember that Exclusive Jordan creates tailor-made travel itineraries. So the most accurate answer is that this place is included in any tour you wish, as we adapt to our clients’ preferences.
However, we do have a series of pre-established tours that can serve as a reference. Generally, we include the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ in the longer tours in our catalog, that is, those of a week or more. Especially in those that also reach the Dead Sea, as it is close to this location.
Furthermore, we also include this destination in our pilgrimage trips: both Exclusive Jordan and the other agencies of Mandala Tours are experts in religious tours, which aim to visit and admire sacred places linked to Christianity, but also to Judaism and Islam.
In these cases, it is common to work hand in hand with parishes or religious groups who wish to add religious experiences to their trip. For example, the celebration of masses in local churches or at emblematic sites. These are usually groups with their own priest, but it is also possible to speak with local churches to explore this possibility with priests who minister in Jordan. In this immediate vicinity, the main consecrated religious building is the Orthodox Monastery of Saint John the Baptist.
In 2030, a major attraction
If you read this article from 2030 onwards, it is possible that the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ will have become a major destination. At the time of writing this article, a committee has already been formed with the mission of organizing a grand commemoration of the 2,000 years since Christ’s baptism at this very spot, as it is believed that this occurred when Jesus was 30 years old.
Many events are planned, including masses by the highest representatives of Christian Churches. And, above all, the creation of a new Museum of Baptism, with the aim of illustrating this episode and putting it in context with this place. Currently, there is only a small exhibition space within the grounds of the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist.
