Photo Gallery: Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan (Baptism Site)

Back to Photo Gallery | Back to Article |

View Larger |

Previous | Next

Byzantine ruins in Wadi Kharrar, not far from the Jordan River. A five or ten-minute walk through the "jungle" leads into a clearing marked by a modern pool and the sheltered remains of the 7th-century Church of John the Baptist (in the background). Byzantine stairs, three of them black marble, interspersed with white marble from Asia Minor, lead from the apse to the Spring of John the Baptist. A marble fragment inscribed "IOY. BATT." was found in the church wall.

Note that more of the paving has been uncovered in the next photo, taken in September 2005. This photo was taken in March 2005. Photo Templar1307.