John the Baptist Baptism Sites

John the Baptist, a key figure in Christianity, is renowned mostly for baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River (Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17, Luke  3:21-22, John 1:28). Several locations claim to be the authentic site of this significant event, with the main contenders located in Jordan and Israel.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Although all the Gospels describe the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River, only the Gospel of John mentions a specific site along the river – “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (John 1:28). This site is identified at Al-Maghtas, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, about 9 kilometers north of the Dead Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has yielded archaeological evidence including ruins of ancient churches, monasteries, and baptismal pools from the Byzantine period. The site’s credibility was bolstered in 2015 when Pope Francis visited and declared it a holy site.

Qasr El-Yahud

Opposite Al-Maghtas, on the western bank of the Jordan River, lies Qasr el Yahud. Its name reflects the memory of where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 3), finally entering the Promised Land. Located near Jericho, this site has also been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. Since the 1990s, Israeli authorities have developed the area for tourists and pilgrims, providing access to the river for baptisms and religious ceremonies. Recently plaques in different languages presenting the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist have been installed at the site.

We take great pride and honor in being credited for the French version of the sacred text and event.

Yardenit

A third significant site is Yardenit, located in northern Israel where the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee. Yardenit became a popular baptism site for Christian pilgrims in the 1980s, when Qasr el Yahud was inaccessible due to border tensions. Yardenit offers a more controlled and accessible environment for baptisms, with modern facilities and services. It is also set along a serene stretch of the Jordan River, featuring set spaces for prayer and reflection. While it’s generally not considered the historical location of Jesus’ baptism, Yardenit attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Many pilgrims choose to be baptized here, appreciating the site’s beauty and the symbolic connection to the Jordan River.

Aenon near Salim

Beyond these main sites, the Jordan Valley was the primary area of John’s preaching and baptizing activities. The Gospel of John indicates that John baptized also at “Aenon near Salim” (John 3:23). This site is identified by most scholar in the Beth-Shean valley, about 8 km south of Beth-Shean. Others have proposed to locate it in Samaria, Judea, or at Saint George Monastery.

The multiple Baptism sites associated with John the Baptist reflect his historical significance and the complex interplay of faith, history and archaeology in the Holy Land. While debates about exact locations persist, these sites are important focal points for Christian pilgrimage and tourists alike.