Israel · Yardenit Baptismal Site

According to Christian tradition, the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17) took place in Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), north of the Dead Sea and east of Jericho. Due to military activity and excavations in that area, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism established Yardenit in 1981 as an alternative pilgrimage site. Yardenit became the first regulated baptism site in Israel. Yardenit thus attracted pilgrims and a visitor center was built. ‥