The Jordan River is known throughout the world for biblical stories and other historical events. The pool area is 18 thousand square meters. m. The river is not navigable. Previously, it was surrounded by a tropical forest, and hippos were found in the waters themselves.
The Jordan River is one of the most famous. It is the natural border between Israel and Jordan and is mentioned several times in the New and Old Testaments. The river has a length of 252 km. It starts at the foot of Mount Heromon and flows into the Dead Sea.
History
The river got its name many centuries ago. According to many scholars, the name comes from the Hebrew word "yered", which in translation means "descent", "fall". The Covenant says that it was in her that Jesus of Nazareth received the baptism at the hands of John the Baptist. To this day, it has not been established exactly where the ceremony took place. It is believed that this took place in the Bethany Valley.
Many miracles are associated with this reservoir. For example, when Jesus led the Jews who were wandering in the desert, the waters of the Jordan parted before the procession. A similar miracle happened when the prophets Elijah and Elisha crossed the dry land. Numerous healings have also been identified here. Water was also endowed with special properties during the Byzantine period.
Other sources have survived to this day, in which there are references to this object. One of them is the "Mosaic Map", created in the sixth century. It depicts the river itself, ferry crossings and cities.
Attractions and excursions
One of the most popular excursions is a trip to the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Especially for tourists, the Yardenit complex was created, which is located in the place where the river leaves the Kinneret Lake. It is located a few kilometers from Tiberias. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit these places every year. Most of them come to be baptized.
Most popular attractions:
- Khurshat Tal. National Park located in the Hula Valley. Occupies 20 hectares, half of the land is a national reserve. On its territory there are centennial relict Tavor oaks.
- Tel Kedesh. This is a hill on which the remains of the ancient city of the Levites, the Roman temple of Apollo, have been preserved.
- Bethsaida. Ruins of a city located east of the Jordan.
- Ubaydiya. A cave, an archaeological site dating back to the Pleistocene era. Located 3 km from the Sea of Galilee.
Many pilgrims must visit the Monastery of St. Gerasimos on the Jordan. This is one of the oldest monasteries, the foundation of which dates back to 455. It is surrounded on three sides by the desert. From the outside, the building looks like an impregnable fortress wall. Has a courtyard, upper and lower churches. The monastery has its own official website. It lists opening hours, exact address, directions and timetables.
Another interesting place is Hamat Gader. This is not only a well-known hospital, but also an architectural monument with a 2000-year history. The resort was opened in 1977. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the ruins of a sixth-century synagogue with a mosaic floor. Over time, the restoration of the mosque and ancient Roman baths was carried out.
