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Israel

Unesco locates site of Jesus’ baptism in Jordan

July 14, 2015 10:06
Christians entering the River Jordan from Israel (Photo: Wikimedia/ deror_avi)

BySandy Rashty, Sandy Rashty

1 min read

For decades, Christians have gone on pilgrimages to the River Jordan – bathing on the banks where Jesus was baptised.

They have approached the river both from Israel in the east, and Jordan in the west.

Historically, the Israeli side has attracted more tourists as it follows part of a Holy Land pilgrimage, which includes Nazareth and Jerusalem.

But now Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has declared that the Jordanian side will be protected as a World Heritage Site.