Holy Land Knows No Borders

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Mention the Holy Land and Israel quickly comes to mind. Biblical sites, however, extend east of the Jordan River into the neighboring Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, long considered one of the Middle East's most peaceful destinations.

"By using the Bible as a guide in visiting Biblical sites in the region, it is clear that in order to completely experience the Holy Land, one has to include the Kingdom of Jordan," said Akel Biltaji, Jordan's Minister of Tourism.

The Jordan River Baptismal Site was long off limits to both travelers and archaeologists due to thousands of land mines that dotted the area. After a peace treaty with Israel and two years of clearing the mines, archaeologists began to excavate the site of Bethany.

The baptismal site will welcome travelers from around the world--but not for the first time. "Pilgrims from the late 4th century visited this site," said Hadidi. Those early pilgrims built baptismal baths and today's visitors will see those stone structures then visit the river itself.

Bethany joins other Biblical sites throughout the area. "The Bible describes these sites in detail, thus serving as an excellent 'travel guide' to our country,"explained Biltaji. "As crusaders and prophets passed through our region, they left behind their marks that have made Jordan a logical three- or four-day extension of any visit to the Holy Land."

Many of those sites are depicted on a 6th century mosaic map in the city of Madaba. The community is home to hundreds of mosaics dating from the 5th through the 7th centuries; the most famous spans the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Although only a portion of the original 25 x 5 meter mosaic remains today, the map assisted Biblical scholars in locating sites from North Africa through the Middle East.

Like a treasure map, the mosaic of St. George's Church once held the secrets of many holy sites. Constructed in the 6th century and comprised of two million stone pieces, the mosaic map depicted sites such as the cave where Lot and his family hid as well as more distant locations such as Egypt's Nile Delta.

The map of Madaba also outlines many sites along the Dead Sea, in the Bible called the Sea of Arabah, the Salt Sea and the Eastern Sea. Today's travelers find many historic sites including the city of Salt where David "slew 18,000 Edomites" and where mineral deposits mark the edge of the world's saltiest body of water. Many scholars believe the sea was also the site of five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zebouin, and Zoar.

Just 10 minutes outside Madaba stands Mount Nebo. Also a site on the papal visit, Mount Nebo is thought to have been the location of Moses' death. A chapel filled with mosaics was built here by Byzantine Christians but the most important part of the site lies outside--the view Moses once beheld across the Jordan Valley and on to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Sites linked to Moses are found elsewhere in Jordan as well. One is the King's Highway, considered the world's oldest continuously used transportation route, mentioned in Genesis. Moses made a request to "travel along the King's Highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed your territory." Although Moses' request was denied, today's travelers find a far friendlier reception all along the scenic highway, which extends from Amman to Edom.

The King's Highway also passes by the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, well known to moviegoers thanks to Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade. After visiting Petra's ancient sandstone structures, all carved directly into the colorful cliffsides, fit travelers can hike (or take a sure-footed donkey). At the top of the climb lies one of Petra's largest sites, the Monastery, and a walk to an overlook for a view of a shrine atop Mount Aaron to Moses' brother.

Most visitors to Petra overnight in the adjacent community of Wadi Musa or Valley of Moses. The city is said to be built near the spring where Moses struck a rock and brought forth water.

Petra is often enjoyed as a day trip from Israel but Jordan is now attracting more overnight visitors from North America thanks to its reputation as a peaceful state. "The peace between Jordan and Israel has opened up the borders on both sides of the river for visitors to the region," noted the Minister of Tourism, "and has allowed everyone to experience the entire pilgrimage as written in the Bible."

If You Go:

Transportation: Most international flights to Jordan are aboard Royal Jordanian out of New York's JFK International Airport. Service is also available through Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, KLM, and others. Service is to the capital city of Amman.

Language: Arabic is the official language of Jordan although English is widely spoken.

Climate: Temperatures can soar during the summer months. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit.

Clothing: Jordan is an Islamic country so modest dress is encouraged but is not required.

Currency: The local currency is the Jordanian dinar (JD). Currently one dinar is equivalent to $1.42 US.

For more information: North American travelers can call 877-SEEJORDAN. You can also obtain travel information from the Jordan Tourist Board website, www.seejordan.org.

For more on the pilgrimages, contact the Jordan Tourism Board North America, 877-SEE-JORDAN.