The Ancient Holy Land

Jordan has been blessed with a rich religious history. Located between Mecca al-Mukarrama, the holiest place on earth for Muslims, and al-Quds (Jerusalem), which is sacred to each of the three great monotheistic religions, Jordan has played a central role in the history of the ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book).

Shrine of the Prophet Haroun (Aaron) overlooking Petra the Nabatean capital. © Ammar Khammash

The land around the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea plain is revered by Muslims, Christians and Jews as blessed. The Bible calls it "the Garden of the Lord" (Genesis 13: 10), and the Holy Qur’an says that God blessed the land "for all beings." Indeed, half of humanity views the land and the river of Jordan as the geographic and spiritual heartland of their faith.

The southern Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea plains, and the surrounding hills and mountains are the home for some of the most momentous events in the history of man’s relationship with God. Here Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) arrived in the Holy Land, Jacob and Esau made their pact, God protected Lot while destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses saw the promised land which he would never enter, Joshua crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, Elijah crossed the Jordan River and rode a "chariot of fire" into heaven, Elisha cured the leper in the waters of the river, John the Baptist preached, baptized Jesus, and was killed by King Herod, Jesus received the Holy Spirit and resisted the temptations of Satan, and the Prophet Muhammad made his nighttime journey from Mecca to al-Quds (Jerusalem).


The Millenium 2000 celebrations in Jordan are an excellent opportunity for religious pilgrims from throughout the world to rekindle their faith and commitment to God by visiting the land and river that have inspired prophets and formed the geographic and spiritual backdrop for God’s covenants with mankind. Many of the sites of biblical events and miracles have been identified, protected and made easily accessible to visitors. Jordan looks forward to hosting more religious tourists returning to the roots of their faith in the Holy Land of Jordan.

 Deir Ain Abata

One of Jordan’s most exciting archeological discoveries of recent times is at Deir Ain Abata, the cave where Lot and his family sought refuge from the devastation of Sodom and Gomorrah. A pillar of salt near Deir Ain Abata is said to be Lot’s wife, after she turned to watch the destruction of Sodom.

St. Lot Church at Deir 'Ain 'Abata with the sacred Cave (left).

A monastery built by early Christians in commemoration of Lot’s sanctuary was recently unearthed at the site. The monastery obviously welcomed pilgrims to the cave of Lot’s refuge, which can be visited as well. A host of Bronze Age, Nabatean, Byzantine and early Islamic artifacts have also been found at Deir Ain Abata. Not surprisingly, the Byzantine period saw the laying of elaborate mosaic floors, some of which can still be seen today.

It is likely that the monastery was abandoned during the eighth century CE, probably because seismic pressure forced the collapse of the basilica and other structures. The monastery and cave are situated precariously on the side of a slope, and at least a third of the monastery has tumbled down the hill.

Deir Ain Abata is situated about two kilometers north of the phosphate-mining town of Safi, on the hill overlooking the Dead Sea.