Al-Maghtas, officially known as Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan", is an archaeological World Heritage Site in Jordan, on the east bank of the Jordan River, reputed to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and venerated as such since at least the Byzantine period. The place has also been referred to as Bethabara and historically Bethany.
Excavation of baptism site
The newly built Greek Orthodox Church of John the Baptist
Mural inside the new Greek Orthodox church: the baptism of Jesus
Mural inside the new Greek Orthodox church: Elijah's fiery ascent into heaven
The Jordan River or River Jordan, also known as Nahr Al-Sharieat, is a 251-kilometre-long (156 mi) river in the Levant that flows roughly north to south through the freshwater Sea of Galilee and on to the salt water Dead Sea. The river passes by Jordan, Syria, Israel, and the Palestinian territories.
Jordan River
Aerial view, 1938
Coloured postcard of the Jordan River, by Karimeh Abbud, circa 1925
Rafting on Jordan River, northern Galilee