Traditionally, the Christians believe Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at Qasr al Yahud. For centuries, it was the most important baptism site for pilgrims. But, after the Six-Day War, Qasr al Yahud became a frontier area, located on the border between Israel and Jordan. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism decided to establish Yardenit site in 1981 as a replacement site.
Qsar al Yahud reopened in 2011. However, Yardenit remains a popular baptismal site for the better quality of its water.
