For travelers seeking a life-changing journey, the Camino de Santiago in Spain has long been the go-to pilgrimage. But now, a newly revived ancient trail in Jordan—the Camino de Egeria—offers a shorter, equally spiritual alternative with breathtaking landscapes and deep historical roots.
While the Camino de Santiago traces medieval Christian routes to St. James’ tomb in Spain, the Camino de Egeria follows a 1,600-year-old path linked to St. John the Baptist. Named after Egeria, a 4th-century Spanish nun and one of history’s first recorded female pilgrims, this trail winds through Jordan’s rugged hills and sacred biblical sites. Unlike Spain’s 500-mile trek, Jordan’s route is just 31 miles (50 km), taking only 2-3 days to complete. Yet, it packs in stunning views of the Moab plateau, the Great Rift Valley, and some of Christianity’s holiest landmarks.
The journey begins at Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. Pilgrims then pass through Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be where Jesus was baptized. Along the way, walkers encounter ancient monasteries, Byzantine chapels, and caves linked to St. John the Baptist, offering a glimpse into Jordan’s rich religious history. Silvano Mezzenzana, a recent pilgrim, describes the experience as “magical,” saying, “You don’t realize you’re on a mountain—the views and spirituality are overwhelming.”
Revived through a partnership between Jordan’s tourism board and the Spanish embassy, the Camino de Egeria aims to promote interfaith dialogue and cultural discovery. Oscar Koshebye, a key figure in restoring the route, calls it “a path for tolerance between faiths and a bridge for intercultural exchange.” Pilgrims can register at the Kawon Bookshop in Madaba, then travel to Mount Nebo to begin their journey. Future plans include extending the trail to Jerusalem and adding guesthouses for overnight stays.
With its shorter distance, rich biblical history, and stunning landscapes, Jordan’s Camino de Egeria presents a compelling alternative to Spain’s more crowded pilgrimage. For those who’ve walked the Camino de Santiago—or anyone craving a profound spiritual adventure—this ancient trail offers a fresh path to discovery. Will you take the first step?
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