Visiting the Jerusalem Area: An In-Depth Guide To Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River

The city of Jerusalem is a must-see destination for anyone planning a visit to the Holy Land. This ancient city is prone to religious pilgrimages and travelers eager to explore the surrounding areas of historical significance. It’s best to carve out a few days to fully experience the Jerusalem area and to journey through the sites like Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan River. In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn all about things to do and sights to see in this particular region.

What Is The Meaning Of Jerusalem?

In Old Testament literature, Jerusalem is known as “The House of Peace.” The Hebrew translation of its name is Yeru-Shalem, which means “Peace of Salem.” For centuries, this city has been regarded as central for the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jewish tradition connects Jerusalem with King David from thousands of years ago, making it a holy site for Jews all over the world. The beliefs across numerous religions culminate in a profound and historical reverence for the city of Jerusalem.

Bethlehem

One of the most remarkable destinations in proximity of Jerusalem is Bethlehem. As documented in the Scriptures, it’s known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Located in the West Bank, approximately six miles from Jerusalem, Bethlehem is an incredibly special destination for religious followers as well as tourists alike. Visitors will find no scarcity of tourist attractions in Bethlehem including the Church of Nativity, Milk Grotto, and Shepherds’ field, among others. Keep in mind, there are two main routes for those travelling from Jerusalem to Bethlehem: route 60 and route 359.

Church of the Nativity

Situated at Manger Square, the Church of Nativity is a remarkable symbol of Christian architecture. According to its dedication stone, this particular building dates all the way back to A.D. 339 and has been considered one of the oldest surviving churches to this day. Built by Byzantine architects, inside you’ll find old chapels, ancient tombs and beautiful mosaics. As a reminder, archaeological digs have unearthed evidence that indicates people have lived on this site since the 1st millennium B.C.

Milk Grotto

Legend has it that while Mary and Joseph were fleeing to Egypt with the baby Jesus, Mary stopped to rest at this particular site. When she did, a few drops of her breast milk spilled onto the ground and far beneath you can still find white limestone rocks to remind us of this miraculous event. It’s also said that infants who were born in Bethlehem were nursed from this very same rock!

Shepherds’ Field

Another remarkable site in Bethlehem is Shepherds’ Field or Beit Sahur. Not only is it incredibly calming here but it’s also incredibly rich in Christian History since according to the Bible it was were shepherds were led to see Christ’s manger by angels with a message from God. Also, at this location stands an ancient church, Saints Simeon and Anna Greek Orthodox Church, which is dedicated to these two figures mentioned in tradition. Inside you’ll find brightly colored frescos that depict biblical scenes, whereas outside you can explore the Cave Chapel and grotto dedicated to Mary and Joseph when they finally reached Egypt.

Jericho

Due north from Bethlehem lies Jericho, another interesting and beloved site for pilgrims in relation to its significance in Christian tradition. This city is believed to be one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world with evidence that dates all the way back to Neolithic times. Therefore, it offers an abundant amount of beautifully preserved archaeological findings like Jaber Palace, Merj Ibn Amer Mosque, Wadi Qelt Monastery, among others. For those journeying from Bethlehem, there are two routes: route 45 or highway 90.

Jaber Palace

Better known as Tel es-Sultan or Sultan’s Hill, Jaber Palace is an attractive ancient site situated four miles east of downtown Jericho. According to local legend, it was built by Rabbi Hanina Ben Dosa during either Alexander Jannaeus (103B.C. – 76B.C.) or Herod (c. 73 – 4 B.C.), two important figures in Judeo-Christian history. Present-day excavations have brought forward clear remains such as steps, arches and plazas that attract visitors from all over the world. Make sure to bring your camera!

Merj Ibn Amer Mosque

Also known as Maqam al-Nabi Musa (“Tomb/Shrine of Nabi Musa”) and Dome of Al-Qiyamah (“Dome of Resurrection”), Merj Ibn Amer Mosque is an equally mesmerizing Islamic monument situated 16 km southwest of Jericho in Judean Wilderness. According to tradition, it stands on the location where Moses went up on Mount Sinai while Abraham read circles around his son Ishmael on Mount Ararat each day of Ishmael’s circumcision ritual. Both inside and outside are decorated with striking geometric Arabic design in intricate detail.

The Jordan River

The famous Jordan River runs right by Jericho itself and flows south until finally emptying in the Dead Sea 400 meters below sea level—the lowest point on earth! This river stands out as a central part of Christianity and Judaism because it’s believed Jesus was baptized within its mountainside banks by John the Baptist himself. Therefore, thought to be a house for divine healing or miracles since ancient times , it has become an esteemed site for spiritual seekers today who wish to honor their faith at its shoals.

Visiting The Jordan River

For those wishing to explore its mists for spiritual or refreshing reasons, locals offer group rafting opportunities near Major Sinai Park at Wadi Qelt River or access points along Majar Street near Jericho itself each year (April-October). Be sure to bring plenty of water since temperatures in this region can reach over 40° Celsius (104° F) during summer months! Travelers interested in its waterside wonders may also consider booking an excursion through multi-day guided tour operators like Get Your Guide, which offer different packages through which Elijah’s Hill—an enchanting spot overlooking the river basin—the picturesque St John’s Church—located closeby—as well as other highlights such as luxurious boat cruises typically included—all part of one unique trip!

Overall, visiting Bethlehem, Jericho or the Jordan River requires some patience but offers plenty of rewarding experiences in return! These destinations are considered holy sites for many religious individuals who make long pilgrimages every year just to experience their grandeur momentously close-up! However—regardless of faith— anyone brave enough to travel these historical areas will want to hurry and book their excursion soon since these sites may soon require more rigorous rules for access due current geopolitical conditions between Israel–Palestine conflicts around this region becoming more contentious as days go by…

So if you’re looking for a deeper understanding into faith–orientated cultures and traditions that date back centuries–in–time then visiting this region of Jerusalem is a must!

So don’t wait any longer—book that trip today here and explore Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River!