The Jordan River site where Jesus was baptized is traditionally identified as "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" (Al-Maghtas), located on the east bank of the Jordan River in the Jordan Valley, north of the Dead Sea, near Jericho. This site is an archaeological World Heritage Site in Jordan and is widely accepted by many Christian denominations as the authentic location of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist
. Al-Maghtas features remains of early Christian worship, including baptismal pools, churches, and hermit caves, and has been a pilgrimage destination since at least the Byzantine period. It aligns with biblical descriptions of John baptizing "in the desert region" and is near a wadi (stream) flowing into the Jordan River, consistent with historical baptism practices
. There is also a baptismal site on the west bank of the Jordan River in the West Bank called Qasr al-Yahud, which is revered and visited by many pilgrims. It is located about 2 miles east of Highway 90, across from Jericho, and is another traditional site associated with Jesus' baptism
. In summary, the most historically and religiously recognized location of Jesus' baptism is Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) on the east bank in Jordan, with Qasr al-Yahud on the west bank also holding significant religious importance
