"Bethany Beyond the Jordan"

The Baptism Site at "Bethany beyond the Jordan" (John 1:28) is one of the most recent significant archaeological and religious discoveries. In addition to its unique spiritual and cultural aspects, the site harbours some special natural values, which makes it a true eco-tourism location.

"Bethany beyond the Jordan" includes a salt marsh wetland, which is stretching along Wadi al-Kharrar. The wadi is a tributary of the Jordan River and is located within its larger flood plain, between the monastic complex on Elijah's Hill and the Jordan itself. The wetland area is following the stream of Wadi al-Kharrar and contains typical flora and fauna: tree frog and marsh frog as well as several species of hydrophilic dragonflies, water beetles and some crustaceans.

In addition, a considerable number of migratory and wetland birds are recorded at the site. Birdlife International and Wetland International have both declared the whole Jordan River basin as significant bird and wetland areas; and many birds, mammal and reptiles within the site are on the IUCN Red List as regionally or globally threatened or endangered species.

Taking into account vegetation type and water availability, the Baptism Site wetland ecosystem includes five distinguished habitats:

Dense Reed Beds:
Consisting mainly of Phragmites australis. These beds provide the perfect feeding and roosting area for many reptiles, birds, and mammals, and are ecologically important for crustaceans and dragonflies.

Tamarix Woodland:
Consisting mainly of Tamarix Jordanis. These are important feeding and roosting areas for bird species such as Turtle Dove, Palm Dove, Collard Dove, White-breasted Kingfisher, Dead Sea Sparrow and Black Francolin.

Salty and brackish water marshes:
These marshes are vital for migratory waterfowl and are ecologically important for fresh water and wetland animals and plants such as algae, weeds, dragonflies, crustaceans, amphibians and others.

Sediment Foothills:
These are dry sandy hills with scarce vegetation and many small holes and caves. They provide excellent grounds for many reptiles, birds and mammals to occupy and colonize.

Jordan River:
The banks of the river are heavily dense with semi-tropical and wetland vegetation, offering refuge for many migratory birds and giving life to a whole complex and interdependent biological community. The river itself is full with fifteen species of fresh water fish, some of which are endemic to the Levant.

The Baptism Site at "Bethany beyond the Jordan" has many values. On one hand it reflects the diversity of the Jordanian tourism as an archaeological, natural and religious site, on the other hand Bethany's rediscovery was made possible by the peace treaty with Israel, and is considered a dividend of peace. The historical, spiritual and ecological significance necessitated a careful and comprehensive planning of the newly opened archaeological park and nature reserve, whereby the continuing and almost daily uncovering of new treasures was accompanied by the most thorough planning for the safety and preservation of the antiquities and the ecological system.

Getting there:

Bethany is only 40 minutes away from Amman. Take the Airport Highway south of Amman and turn right where the brown sign indicates the road to the Dead Sea. Fifteen minutes before reaching the Dead Sea, the signs will indicate Bethany's location.

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