The birthplace of the Prophet Elijah, in Jordan, is one of the country’s most sacred places, as it is a shrine revered by the faithful of all three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Therefore, if you are planning a pilgrimage trip to this country or are simply interested in religion, including it in your itinerary may be worthwhile. Here are more details about its location and how to visit.
Tell Mar Elias, birthplace and shrine
The birthplace of the Prophet Elijah is, according to tradition, in Tell Mar Elias, a hill located about 4 km northwest of the city of Ajloun. It has been regarded as such since the earliest days of Christianity, based on deductions. Elias is the Latin name for Elijah, who in the Old Testament (1 Kings 17:1) is mentioned as a prophet from Tishbe, a village that would have been located here, as suggested by the Arabic name of the nearby ancient village of Listib (el-Ishtib, in Arabic).
This was believed, for example, in Byzantine times, as from the 6th century various religious buildings were built here in honor of this prophet. And that sacred character remains to this day, as shown by its status as a shrine and by the prayers and messages of peace that visitors continue to leave on fabric ribbons hanging from the trees around the site.
What is there at the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah?
Tell Mar Elias is now a large archaeological site where the remains of various structures, mainly from the Byzantine period, are preserved. They are as follows:
- Ancient church, the smallest one, where its apse can be identified. It is believed to have been built in the 6th century.
- Atrium and staircase
- Main church, with an almost square floor plan, three naves, various apses, and floor mosaics. One of them indicates its dedication to the Prophet Elijah and the year it was completed: 622. In the main apse, the column bases are still preserved, which could point to the importance of this spot.
- Baptistery, interpreted as such due to the presence of a structure that may have supported a water font, around which the mosaic-paved floor is still preserved.
- Monastery, interpreted as such due to the presence of wells and cisterns that may have been used for monastic life.
- Tombs in rock-cut burial chambers beneath the monastery.
From the parking area at the entrance to the site, visitors can move around all these places, each with its own interpretive panels. And for many, the main attraction of this place is the exceptional views of the surroundings from almost anywhere on the site, as it sits atop a hill surrounded by lush green hills.
How to get there and visit
As mentioned, the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah is located several kilometers northwest of Ajloun, and the way to reach it is by road from this city or from the nearby cable car. As it is set in the middle of nature, in the heart of Jordan’s greenest, most Mediterranean region, it is also possible to take a hiking route along the paths that lead to the entrance of the site.
In any case, the site is enclosed and has opening hours, usually from 8:00 to 17:00, although these may change depending on certain circumstances. The birthplace of the Prophet Elijah also has an entrance fee, but foreign travelers need not worry about this, as admission is included in the Jordan Pass.
