5. St. George’s Monastery
The Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George clings precariously to the sheer north face of Wadi Qelt gorge.
The monastery, originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was founded in AD 480. It was home to a flourishing monk population until it was destroyed by the Persians in AD 614 and afterwards abandoned.
The present buildings were constructed in the late 19th century, and inside are a number of interesting pieces of religious art.
A stony path leads up to the main entrance for the monastery. Inside, the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary holds fine icons and frescoes, while the Church of St. John and St. George preserves a sixth-century mosaic pavement.
6. Qasr el Yahud
Right beside the Jordan River is Qasr el Yahud; one of the sites vying for the title of Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
Across the murky, narrow, and shallow strip of the Jordan River is the other site on Jordanian territory, which has a much more solid case for the title after recent archaeological finds.
Nevertheless, if you don’t plan on visiting Jordan, this spot does just fine. It’s popular with pilgrims immersing themselves in the water.
If you do decide to enter the river, please remember you are not allowed to wade the three meters to the other shore. The Israeli and Jordanian armies keep watch on either side.
