Egeria's travels took place three centuries after Emperor Constantine and his mother, Saint Helena, first established Christian interest in the Holy Places around the Jordan River. She journeyed for three years across sacred lands, writing detailed letters to her fellow sisters back home. These writings, known as the Itinerarium Egeriae or Travels of Egeria, are of immense value to historians, geographers, linguists, and liturgists alike.

Her vivid descriptions of liturgical practices, topography, and personal devotion provide one of the earliest eyewitness accounts of Christian pilgrimage. They were written in Vulgar Latin, offering insight into the transition from Latin to early Romance languages, including Spanish.

Today, Egeria’s historic journey has been revived as the Camino de Egeria, a trail that traces the final two days of the broader John the Baptist Trail, beginning at Mount Nebo and concluding at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the site of Christ’s baptism.

The route passes several major biblical and archaeological sites:

• Mount Nebo, the sanctuary of Moses overlooking the Dead Sea and the Promised Land.
• Mousa Springs, believed to be near the location of Beth Peor.
• The ancient Roman city of Livias (modern-day Al-Ramah)
• The Roman road "Esbus-Jericho", part of the historic Via Nova Trajana.
• Salem Springs, where John the Baptist may have been captured.
• Kherbet Gharaba, with its baptism pools.
• Elijah’s Hill and Al-Kharrar Valley, where hermits and early Christians once lived.
• The Baptism Site at Bethany, the authentic site of Jesus’ baptism.

Egeria likely used the Roman road between Husban and Jericho—an ancient path also said to have been traveled by the three Magi. Along this road, remnants of Roman watchtowers, milestones, guest houses, and sections of original pavement remain visible.

The Camino de Egeria is more than a hike; it is a spiritual and cultural immersion through the early Christian landscape of Jordan. Walking this trail is to walk in the footsteps of a pioneer woman, of prophets, pilgrims, and hermits. Travelers experience biblical mountains, Byzantine churches, ancient ruins, and the serenity of Jordan's natural wilderness.

It also builds a connection between past and present, and between two nations: Spain and Jordan. Egeria’s journey created a historical bridge, and her legacy is now being honored through modern initiatives.

In January 2025, the Camino de Egeria was officially twinned with Spain’s Camino de Santiago, further strengthening historical and spiritual bonds between the two nations. This partnership fosters cultural exchange and shared heritage, and it is expected to bring:

• A Jordanian landmark in Santiago de Compostela and a Spanish landmark in Jordan
• Joint promotional campaigns targeting spiritual and cultural travelers.
• Investment in infrastructure to enhance the pilgrimage experience.

• One-Day Option: Visit the key sites of Mount Nebo and Bethany Beyond the Jordan, with organized transfers and nearby accommodation options.
• Two-Day Experience: Walk meaningful sections of the historic trail, spend the night under the Jordanian stars, and engage with local communities offering warm hospitality and deep-rooted tradition.

As the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) strengthens its commitment to religious and cultural tourism, we invite travel agencies and international tour operators to include the Camino de Egeria in their spiritual tourism packages.

Join us in honoring this remarkable journey—where faith, history, and cultural heritage converge in the heart of Jordan.