The son of Queen Rania and heir to the Jordanian throne visited the site of Jesus’ baptism

Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II visited Al-Maghtas, the site traditionally identified as the location of the baptism of Jesus, on September 13. During the visit, the heir to the Jordanian throne called for careful planning to prepare for the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism in 2033.

The Royal Hashemite Court stated that the Crown Prince directed improvements to the site to provide a better experience for Christian pilgrims and visitors. He also requested that the location be promoted more widely through coordination with the Jordan Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and other partners.

The site, known in the Bible as Bethany beyond the Jordan, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Archaeological excavations at the location have uncovered a baptistery, churches, chapels, and caves used by hermits.