Cultural
Site du baptême « Béthanie au-delà du Jourdain » (Al-Maghtas)
Jordanie
Located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River in Jordan, this archaeological site marks the traditional location where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ, known in biblical tradition as Bethany beyond the Jordan. The site holds significant religious and historical importance for Christianity, representing a major pilgrimage destination and place of spiritual significance for multiple Christian denominations. The remains at Al-Maghtas include ancient churches, monasteries, and baptismal pools that testify to continuous religious use from the Byzantine period through later centuries. The site's cultural value derives from its connection to one of the most important events in Christian history and its archaeological evidence of early Christian religious practices and architecture. The Jordan River valley setting provides both geographical context and natural features that have shaped the site's development and accessibility over centuries. The combination of biblical significance, archaeological remains, and historical continuity makes this location a substantial witness to Christian heritage in the Middle East.
