Steeped in religious significance, the Qasr al-Yehud Baptismal Site located on the Jordan River is a place where history and faith collide. This location holds important religious significance for Jews and Christians alike. 

The site also holds a special place in Jewish tradition as the place where Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land for the very first time.  According to some traditions, this very spot is also where Prophet Elijah ascended to the heavens.

For Christians, this is believed to be the very spot where John baptized Jesus, making it one of the holiest places for believers and followed only by the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

In previous centuries, pilgrims haven’t been able to freely access Qasr al-Yehud. Also closed between 1967 to 1994 when the Israeli and Jordanian governments were not at peace, the area was fenced off and a no-man’s land. Thankfully, following the peace agreement in 1994, the site reopened to the public and visiting tourists and pilgrims. Today, visitors can walk down newly built handrails and steps to immerse themselves in the waters of the Jordan River.

While exploring the area, you’ll also find ruins of churches built during the Byzantine era, testaments to the site’s long history as a pilgrimage destination. Modern-day visitors of all Christian denominations can worship at the two new outdoor chapels built near Qasr al-Yehud. Special ceremonies are held here throughout the year, including the Feast of Epiphany and the Theophany.

Interestingly, there’s another baptismal site on the Jordan River called Yardenit. Located further north near the Sea of Galilee, Yardenit was created as an alternative for pilgrims who couldn’t reach Qasr al-Yehud. While Yardenit offers a beautiful baptismal experience, Qasr al-Yehud remains the location closest to the original spot described in the Bible and New Testament.