St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church
Follow the Panoramic Whispers
On December 7, 1967, the Vatican officially recognized the historic Catholic church in Madaba as the Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, establishing it as an important destination for pilgrims and visitors seeking to experience its rich spiritual and historical significance.
Originally built in the early 20th century as a Roman Catholic church, the site has evolved into one of Madaba's most fascinating cultural and religious landmarks. Its carefully restored ancient foundations reveal layers of history, while the Acropolis Museum, located beneath the church's vaulted halls, offers a remarkable journey through the region's past. Among its most significant features is a well dating back to the Moabite period, a testament to the site's enduring legacy.
The church's façade, constructed from ancient stone, reflects centuries of architectural heritage, while Roman columns crowned with Corinthian capitals frame the peaceful courtyard. The former 19th-century chapel, now serving as a visitor centre and gift shop, houses a captivating exhibition featuring photographs from 1902 to 1911, alongside an exquisite replica of the renowned mosaics of Umm ar-Rasas.
