Bethany Beyond The Jordan

Spring-fed Wadi Gharrar flows into the east bank of the Jordan River almost directly east of Jericho. This site is the location of the ruins of several Byzantine churches that were built in this location apparently to mark the spot where early tradition said John the Baptist did much of his baptizing and where Jesus was baptized.

The ruins have recently been extensively excavated under the sponsorship of the Jordan Ministry of Antiquities and a large surrounding area has been developed into a park.

Excavations in the past ten years or so have found an additional spring, numerous baptistry pools from the Byzantine period , and first century artifacts of coins and pottery.

Many believe this location is the Bethany beyond the Jordan mentioned in John 1:28.

Photo courtesy of BiblePlaces.com