The John the Baptist Trail
The John the Baptist Trail is a short pilgrim trail within the confines of the Baptism Site. It gives the pilgrim visitor the chance to experience the peace and calm of the wilderness while following in the steps of John and Jesus. The trail is composed of 7 stations where the pilgrim is invited to pause, reflect and pray.
Below is a brief summary of the John the Baptist Trail with a short description of each of the stations. Clicking on each image will take you to a more detailed and complete description.
1. Elijah's Hill
The first station of the John the Baptist Trail is Elijah’s Hill. Elijah’s Hill is one of the most important sites of the Baptism Site. Elijah’s Hill is the place where the Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven in the 9th century BC.
2. The Wilderness
The second station of the John the Baptist Trail is the Wilderness of John. Here the prophet lived in a cave and fed on locusts and wild honey.
3. The Pilgrims' Station
The third station of the John the Baptist Trail is the Pilgrims’ Station. Pilgrims who crossed seas, mountains and deserts to reach this sacred place needed to sleep and eat.
4. The Baptism Pool
The fourth station of the John the Baptist Trail is the large Baptism Pool. The unexpected size of the baptismal pool makes one wonder at the great number of people came to this place to be baptized.
5. John the Baptist spring
The fifth station of the John the Baptist Trail is John the Baptist’s Spring. In the desert, fresh water is the only thing that gives life and is always a gift from God.
6. Where John baptised Jesus
The sixth station of the John the Baptist Trail is the spot where the five memorial churches are found. This is the most sacred place of the Baptism Site where Jesus was baptized by St. John.
7. The River Jordan
The seventh and final station of the John the Baptist Trail is at the River Jordan. The Trail ends at the Jordan River in front of the new Catholic church. Here the pilgrim can renew their Baptismal promises.