Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), Jordan - Church of St John the Baptist Believed to be the site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is a pilgrimage center and archaeological site. The tour takes you through what is believed to be the original baptism site (the river has changed course over the past 2000 years), past where it is believed that Elijah ascended to heaven, and ends up at the Jordan River and the Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist. Several new churches are under construction, representing various Christian denominations (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Coptic, Armenian Apostolic, and a Russian Orthodox pilgrim's house). If you are lucky enough to visit on Orthodox Theophany (the commemoration of the baptism of Christ in the Jordan) you will be able to observe a beautiful cultural and spiritual experience coming from both sides of the Jordan, as Syrian, Palestinian, and other local pilgrims arrive to commemorate the holy day. #BVSBlue