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AMMAN — Jordan is moving forward with plans to develop the area surrounding the Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, with new design and technical studies underway for Bethany Village, an ambitious project intended to enhance the experience of pilgrims and visitors while protecting the site's exceptional religious, historical and natural character.
The Foundation for the Development of Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site is continuing work on the village as part of broader efforts to create an integrated destination that complements one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites.
Recent work has focused on assessing the visual impact of proposed security infrastructure. A field team, joined by three heritage impact assessment specialists working in accordance with UNESCO standards, representatives of the Public Security Directorate, the construction contractor and the companies responsible for the museum, village and infrastructure designs, conducted an on-site assessment.
As part of the study, story poles were installed at the project site to simulate the height and visibility of proposed structures. The team assessed how the elements would appear from Mar Elias Hill, helping specialists determine their potential visual impact and ensure that future development remains compatible with the surrounding landscape.
The project team also reviewed preparations for upcoming infrastructure works and visited the site designated for the Museum of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Soil testing was carried out, while potential locations for the museum entrances were discussed as part of the technical studies required for the next stage of design.
Located in the Jordan Valley, the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, known in Arabic as Al-Maghtas, is one of Jordan's most significant religious and archaeological destinations.
The site is traditionally identified as the place where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Known in the Bible as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the area contains archaeological remains associated with early Christian worship, including churches, monasteries, baptism pools and other structures that reflect centuries of pilgrimage and religious activity.
For Christian pilgrims, Al-Maghtas is a deeply spiritual destination. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains, walk toward the Jordan River and experience the landscape associated with one of the central events in Christian tradition.
The site also occupies an important place in Jordan's broader tourism landscape, connecting religious heritage with archaeology, nature and cultural tourism.
The development of Bethany Village is being pursued with an emphasis on balancing tourism growth with the protection of the site's heritage and environment.
According to the foundation, the project is being developed in accordance with Royal directives and its mandate to shape the area adjacent to the Baptism Site while preserving its natural setting and biodiversity and meeting UNESCO-related requirements.
This approach is particularly important because the Baptism Site is not simply a tourism attraction. Its value comes from the combination of its religious significance, archaeological remains, historic landscape and natural environment.
The proposed village and museum are expected to provide supporting facilities for visitors and pilgrims while helping them better understand the history and spiritual importance of Al-Maghtas.
The development comes as Jordan prepares for the 2030 commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, an event expected to have major significance for Christian communities around the world.
The anniversary provides Jordan with an opportunity to further highlight the Baptism Site as an international destination for religious and spiritual tourism, while showcasing the country's wider biblical and archaeological heritage.
For travelers, a visit to Al-Maghtas can form part of a broader journey through Jordan's religious and historical landscapes, alongside destinations such as Mount Nebo, Madaba and the Dead Sea.
As Bethany Village moves from planning and technical studies toward implementation, the project is expected to contribute to a more integrated visitor experience around the Baptism Site—helping Jordan welcome pilgrims and travelers while preserving a landscape that has carried religious and historical significance for centuries.
The continuing development of Al-Maghtas reinforces Jordan's position as a unique destination where living religious traditions, ancient history and cultural heritage come together in one remarkable landscape.