Jordan signed four development agreements worth a combined $120 million on 12 August 2026 to transform Bethany Beyond the Jordan — the site where Jesus is believed to have been baptised by John the Baptist — into a major pilgrimage destination ahead of the 2030 millennium celebrations. The signing ceremony took place at the site itself, located on the east bank of the Jordan River approximately 50 kilometres west of Amman.
What the Agreements Cover
The four agreements cover approximately 1,400 dunams (about 140 hectares) of land surrounding the existing archaeological excavations and visitor facilities. The planned developments include:
- The Baptism of Jesus Museum: A purpose-built interpretive centre presenting the archaeological, historical, and theological significance of the site across multiple faiths.
- A Pilgrimage Village: A complex of guesthouses, prayer spaces, and visitor facilities designed to accommodate pilgrims who wish to spend more than a day at the site.
- A Green Corridor: A landscaped route connecting the baptism site to the Dead Sea coast, providing shade, rest points, and interpretation along a 15-kilometre walking and cycling path.
- Upgraded Infrastructure: Road improvements, a new visitor reception centre, and expanded parking to handle increased arrivals volumes.
The 2030 Context
The year 2030 marks the 2,000th anniversary of the approximate date traditionally assigned to the baptism of Jesus, making it one of the most significant milestones in the Christian calendar of the decade. Jordan is positioning Bethany Beyond the Jordan alongside the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee in Israel as a core stop on the pilgrim route through the Holy Land.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed Byzantine churches, baptismal pools, and monastic remains dating to the early Christian era, establishing its historical credentials independently of its religious significance.
Visiting Bethany and Jordan
The site is currently accessible by guided tour from Amman, Aqaba, or the Dead Sea resort area. For a guide to Jordan’s historical sites and what context visitors need to understand them, see our history section. The full range of experiences available in Jordan — from Petra and Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea and Aqaba — is covered in our things to do guide. For suggested multi-day routes through the country, visit our Jordan itineraries.