Jordan to invest $100 mln in pilgrimage project dedicated to Baptism of Christ

Artistic depiction of the proposed pilgrimage village in Jordan. Photo: MK Associates

On November 27, 2025, it became known that Jordanian authorities are developing a major initiative for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, planning to build an authentic 1st-century village near the Baptism site at Bethabara beyond the Jordan, Christian Daily International reports.

The preparations are tied to a series of significant dates in Christian history that will be commemorated in the coming years, culminating in 2033. The first of these milestones will be the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s Baptism, which Jordan intends to mark at the national level.

According to the publication, the Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Court are working on a detailed program of events. The authorities anticipate cooperation with Christian organizations and international religious leaders to attract pilgrims from around the world.

Jordanian officials note that expanding infrastructure and creating the new pilgrimage zone are intended to support the tourism sector, which has suffered greatly from the pandemic and regional conflicts. It is expected that the anniversary of Christ’s Baptism will give the industry new momentum.

The Baptism Site, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, receives pilgrims from various Christian traditions every year. Jordan hopes that the upcoming celebrations will increase global interest in Bethabara beyond the Jordan and underscore the country’s commitment to preserving Christian holy sites and fostering interreligious coexistence.

“The Baptism Site is a cornerstone of Christian heritage, and Jordan is honored to safeguard it. This celebration is a reaffirmation of Jordan’s role as a trusted home for sacred Christian history,” Senator Michael Nazzal, chair of the Tourism and Heritage Committee in the Jordanian Senate said.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Estonia, a businessman will restore a ruined 19th-century Orthodox church.

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