Jordan: A Prominent Destination for Religious Tourism in the Middle East - Jordan News
Religious tourism plays a pivotal role in fostering interfaith understanding, promoting values of tolerance, and positioning Jordan as a global religious destination, thus supporting the national economy by attracting visitors from around the world.
In line with the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' efforts to enhance religious and cultural tourism, and to bolster the kingdom's reputation as a leading destination for Christian pilgrimage, the ministry, in collaboration with the Vatican, organized a press conference on Wednesday titled "Jordan: The Dawn of Christianity." According to Minister of Tourism Lina Annab, Jordan will collaborate with the Vatican to organize a heritage exhibition in Vatican City to highlight "Jordan's significance as the birthplace of Christianity."
During the press conference, Annab stated that over 90 carefully selected rare artifacts would be displayed to tell the story of Jordan's intertwined heritage with Christian roots. These artifacts include delicate mosaics and ancient symbols, such as the fish symbol, which is one of the most important and rare relics in Christian history. The exhibition will showcase discoveries that trace the development of Christianity in Jordan across different eras. Key Attractions in Religious Tourism
Annab further highlighted that the exhibition will take visitors on a journey through time, exploring sacred sites in Jordan that are essential stops for Christian pilgrims recognized by the Vatican. These include: Tell Mar Elias : The birthplace of the Prophet Elijah.
: The birthplace of the Prophet Elijah. Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Anjara : Commemorating the Virgin Mary.
: Commemorating the Virgin Mary. Mount Nebo : The burial site of Prophet Moses (near Madaba).
: The burial site of Prophet Moses (near Madaba). Machaerus Fortress : The site where John the Baptist (Prophet Yahya) was martyred.
: The site where John the Baptist (Prophet Yahya) was martyred. Baptism Site of Jesus (Al-Maghtas): Where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
Al-Maghtas is a holy site for Christians, attracting pilgrims from around the world, and features numerous churches from various Christian denominations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Other significant religious landmarks in Jordan include: St. George's Church in Madaba , famous for its 6th-century mosaic map depicting the Holy Land.
, famous for its 6th-century mosaic map depicting the Holy Land. The Cave of the Seven Sleepers , a shared Islamic-Christian heritage site, believed to be the resting place of the Seven Sleepers mentioned in both the Qur'an and the Bible, located near Amman. Islamic Religious Tourism
On the Islamic side, Jordan offers a unique religious tourism experience. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, the Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, emphasized the distinction of Islamic and Christian religious tourism in Jordan. He noted that the "Umrah Plus" program attracts Muslims who come from distant countries after performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. They visit Jordan to see the tombs of companions and prophets, as Jordan is home to the graves of many companions of the Prophet Muhammad, such as Abu Ubaidah, Muadh ibn Jabal, and Sharhabil ibn Hasna.
Some key Islamic pilgrimage sites include: The Tomb of Prophet Shuaib near Salt.
near Salt. The Tomb of Prophet Aaron in Petra.
in Petra. The Battlefields of Yarmouk and Mu'tah , where major Islamic battles took place. Marketing and Tourism Plans
Arabiyat outlined marketing plans for 2025, aiming to attract both Arab and international tourists. This year, Jordan will host over 60 major tourism events, including activities tailored to the Arab market. He also highlighted that Amman is one of the few Arab capitals with a mild climate that allows for outdoor events year-round.
In terms of tourism statistics, Jordan saw a slight increase in the number of Arab tourists in 2024, with around 3.27 million visitors from Arab countries, a 0.7% increase from 2023. However, overall tourist numbers dropped by 3%, with 6.1 million visitors in 2024, compared to 6.3 million in 2023, mainly due to the impact of the Israeli-Gaza conflict.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan News
05-07-2025
- Jordan News
Opening of the exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' in Assisi, Italy - Jordan News
In line with the ongoing efforts to highlight the importance of Jordan's religious heritage and promote religious tourism, the exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' was inaugurated in the Italian city of Assisi on Friday, July 4, 2025. The opening ceremony was attended by Jordan's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab; the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Italy, Qais Abu Dayyeh; Father Francesco Belloni, regional head of the Franciscan Order in Assisi; and the Deputy Mayor of Assisi, Veronica Cavallucci, along with a large number of Italian political, religious, and cultural figures. اضافة اعلان This exhibition holds special significance as it is being hosted in Assisi, a global symbol of peace and dialogue and a major pilgrimage destination visited by more than five million pilgrims and visitors each year. Choosing Assisi further reinforces the exhibition's message of promoting Jordan as a leading religious pilgrimage, spiritual, and cultural destination. In her opening remarks, Minister Annab emphasized the importance of holding the exhibition in such a symbolic city, noting that King Abdullah II received the Lamp of Peace award there in 2019, in recognition of his efforts to promote human rights, fraternity, interfaith dialogue, and peace in the Middle East and worldwide. Annab stressed that 'this exhibition carries a human and spiritual message that transcends borders, showcasing the Jordanian model of shared living and harmony, and portraying Jordan as a land of peace, love, and humanity.' She added that Jordan is a key destination for Christian pilgrimage and that this exhibition contributes to strengthening religious tourism and invites pilgrims and visitors to discover the Kingdom's sacred sites, further reinforcing its position as a leading religious pilgrimage, spiritual, and cultural destination. Ambassador Abu Dayyeh thanked the city of Assisi and its political, religious, and cultural authorities for hosting the event. He emphasized that 'this cultural cooperation reflects the depth of the historical ties between Jordan and Italy and strengthens the bridges of friendship and understanding between the two peoples.' He also highlighted Jordan's pivotal role in protecting and preserving holy sites, especially through the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which embodies the Kingdom's steadfast commitment to safeguarding religious heritage and harmony. Deputy Mayor Veronica Cavallucci affirmed that the exhibition sends a strong message in support of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and noted that Assisi always welcomes initiatives that foster dialogue, understanding, and bring people closer together. Attendees toured the exhibition, which features around 90 rare artifacts from 34 archaeological sites across Jordan. The collection narrates the story of the emergence of Christianity on Jordanian land — from the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ at Bethany beyond the Jordan, to Mount Nebo, Machaerus Fortress, Tell Mar Elias, and Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Anjara. Visitors expressed their admiration for the exhibition's spiritual and historical depth and its reflection of the enduring Christian presence in Jordan throughout history and across civilizations. This exhibition — organized by Jordan's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and curated by artistic director Eyad Khzuz — marks its second stop on an international tour, following its successful presentation at the Vatican in February and March of this year. It will continue until August 2 at the Monte Frumentario Palace in the heart of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and a symbol of dialogue and peace. Its next stop will be in Athens, Greece, in September. 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' offers visitors a unique spiritual and human experience, taking them on a journey to the roots of early Christianity — from the Jordan River, where the message began and continues to inspire millions around the world to this day.
Al Bawaba
29-06-2025
- Al Bawaba
Historic Italian City of Assisi to Host International Exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity'
The international traveling exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' will open on July 4 at Palazzo Monte Frumentario in Assisi, marking its second major venue following a successful debut at the Vatican earlier this in collaboration with the Municipality of Assisi, the exhibition will take place in the 13th-century Palazzo Monte Frumentario, a former granary now restored as a prominent cultural center. The venue, located in the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, was chosen for its deep historical and spiritual over 5 million visitors annually, Assisi is renowned for its religious significance and UNESCO World Heritage status. Hosting the exhibition reflects the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between Jordan and Italy, highlighted by King Abdullah II's 2019 receipt of the Lamp of Peace award in Assisi for his efforts in advancing interfaith exhibition's opening aligns with preparations for Jubilee Year 2025, proclaimed by Pope Francis under the theme 'Pilgrims of Hope', a sacred year celebrated once every 25 years in Catholic tradition.'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' highlights five significant Christian pilgrimage sites within Jordan's borders. The exhibition features Bethany Beyond the Jordan, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and identified by the Vatican as the location of Jesus Christ's baptism. Additional sites include Mount Nebo, the Church of Our Lady of the Mountain in Anjara, Tell Mar Elias, and Machaerus, where historical accounts place John the Baptist's imprisonment and exhibition aims to promote Jordan as a leading destination for religious tourism, building on the momentum of Pope Francis's 2014 visit to the Baptism Site and reinforcing Jordan's position within the broader Holy exhibition reflects Jordan's dedication to sharing its Christian legacy with the world. By presenting these sacred sites to international audiences, it invites visitors to experience the spiritual richness and historical depth that Jordan uniquely offers. The exhibition serves as a cultural and spiritual bridge, fostering mutual understanding and echoing the spirit of peace and dialogue long embodied by Saint project is a collaborative initiative between Jordanian cultural institutions and global partners, supporting broader efforts to enhance religious tourism and cultural diplomacy across the region. Following its Assisi debut, the exhibition is scheduled to tour additional international locations. Visitor details and the full exhibition itinerary are available at © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Jordan News
25-06-2025
- Jordan News
The Italian City of Assisi to Host the Traveling Exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' - Jordan News
On July 4th, the historic city of Assisi, nestled in the heart of Italy's Umbria region, will host the international traveling exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity', following its stellar debut at the Vatican this past February and March. اضافة اعلان This new showing in Assisi will be held at the stunning Palazzo Monte Frumentario, in collaboration with the Città di Assisi (City of Assisi). Overlooking the historic streets of Assisi, this 13th-century architectural gem once served as a public granary and center for charitable giving. Now beautifully restored as a cultural venue, the Palazzo provides a fitting and contemplative setting for the exhibition's spiritual and historical themes. The exhibition carries profound symbolic and spiritual significance. As the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi—one of the most revered figures in Christian tradition, known for his message of peace, humility, and interfaith dialogue—the city has long been a beacon for spiritual seekers. Since the Middle Ages, Assisi has become one of the world's foremost Christian pilgrimage destinations, drawing over 5 million pilgrims and visitors each year in search of contemplation and spiritual renewal in a setting that harmonizes natural beauty with sacred heritage. Assisi holds a special place in the hearts of Jordanians. In 2019, His Majesty King Abdullah II received the Lamp of Peace here, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to peace, dignity, and interfaith harmony—values that are deeply cherished by the people of Jordan and embodied by Saint Francis himself. This spiritual resonance is even more meaningful in 2025, a year proclaimed by the late Pope Francis as a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church under the theme 'Pilgrims of Hope'—a rare celebration that occurs only once every 25 years, inviting the faithful to renew their journey of faith. Jordan's participation in this historic moment affirms its enduring spiritual message and its place as an integral part of the Holy Land. The Kingdom stands as one of the world's most significant centers of Christian heritage and pilgrimage. It has welcomed many important religious milestones, including the historic visit of the late Pope Francis to Jordan in 2014, during which he visited the Baptism Site on the Jordan River and praised Jordan as a symbol of shared living and peace in the region. The exhibition casts a spotlight on the richness of Jordan's Christian heritage through its pilgrimage sites that are officially recognized by the Vatican. It begins with the sacred waters of the Baptism Site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus Christ was baptized on the eastern banks of the River Jordan by John the Baptist—a place of immense spiritual power, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, the journey of faith extends to Mount Nebo; to the Church of Our Lady of the Mountain in Anjara, associated with the Holy Family's passage through the region; to Tell Mar Elias, believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah; and to the windswept heights of Machaerus, the fortress where John the Baptist was imprisoned and martyred. Beyond highlighting these sacred places, the exhibition aims to draw attention to the importance of religious tourism and its promotion in Jordan. As a leading Christian pilgrimage destination in the world, Jordan offers a bridge between faith and culture—welcoming visitors and pilgrims from around the globe into an experience of spiritual depth, historical continuity, and cultural exchange. This traveling exhibition is part of a global effort to share Jordan's sacred Christian heritage with the world. Its message, like that of Saint Francis, is one of peace, dialogue, and hope. 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' is a living invitation to pilgrimage, reflection, and spiritual encounter. We warmly invite you to experience this exhibition—and to continue your journey to Jordan, the living land of the Dawn of Christianity.
