The Historical Sites

Water System

A well, a cistern and settling basins connected with water channels are located between the “prayer hall” and the nearby small chapel, called the Church of Pope John Paul II. The cistern was dug out of the natural lissan marl rock; it is the largest reservoir discovered at the site, built during the 5th – 6th centuries AD. Well-cut sandstone ashlars were used to build its inner sides, while a thick layer of lime was added and covered by a smooth layer of plaster to prevent any seepage. The pool was roofed by a vault system and carried a white mosaic floor on top.

A canal feeds a cylindrical well, located near the northwestern corner of the cistern dating from the Byzantine period.

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Watch the Documentary

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." ... People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Luke 3:1, 5-6)

MAP KEY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Map Key

  1. The Cave Church
  2. Rhotorius Monastery
  3. The Pools
  4. Northern Church
  5. The Bethany Saphsaphas
  6. Water System
  7. Prayer Hall
  8. The Church of John Paul II

Map Key

  1. The Cave Church
  2. Rhotorius Monastery
  3. The Pools
  4. Northern Church
  5. The Bethany Saphsaphas
  6. Water System
  7. Prayer Hall
  8. The Church of John Paul II

Map Key

  1. The Cave Church
  2. Rhotorius Monastery
  3. The Pools
  4. Northern Church
  5. The Bethany Saphsaphas
  6. Water System
  7. Prayer Hall
  8. The Church of John Paul II

The Cave Church

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Rhotorius Monastery

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The Pools

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Northern Church

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The Bethany Saphsaphas

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Water System

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Prayer Hall

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The Church of John Paul II

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