Qasr El Yahud, the baptismal site on the River Jordan

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From the earliest days of Christianity some 2,000 years ago, many pilgrims have visited the location where according to the New Testament and traditions, Jesus was baptized by Jhon the Baptist himself

For centuries, Pilgrims have yearned to immerse themselves in the vary same water and location to commemorate this event.

In order to improve the spiritual experience and physical comfort of pilgrims, the baptism site on the Jordan River, known as Qasr al-Yahud, is open to the public, free of charge, 7 days a week.

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism have invested close to $2.3 million in renovating and upgrading the historical site. This includes the construction of a brand new wooden ramps into the Jordan River to allow many pilgrims easy and comfortable to access to the waters for baptism, erecting shaded areas for mass and prayer sessions, restroom, shower and also parking facilities. The site is also fully wheelchair accessible.

The site, which is managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, is open to the public free of charge every day, including Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. On Fridays and on the eves of holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (winter time) and 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (daylight saving time, summer time).

Qasr Al-Yahud Baptismal Site

Photo: Ron Peled

As a reflection of the importance of this site, which is located east to Jericho and north to the Dead Sea, numerous churches were built here over the centuries.

This site is also significant in the Jewish tradition, as it is believed according to the Bible to be the specific place where the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan when they entered Canaan some 3,200 years ago.

Jordanian Road Sign at the Baptismal Site