In the framework of the efforts designed to highlight the importance of Jordan's religious heritage and to promote religious tourism, the "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity" exhibition was opened in the historic Italian city of Assisi, on Friday July 4, 2025 following its widely acclaimed run at the Vatican earlier this year.

This exhibition highlights the Kingdom’s role as a cradle of early Christianity and as an integral part of the Holy Land. It seeks to reinforce Jordan’s status as a leading destination for religious tourism, and to promote its spiritual heritage to international audiences. It, furthermore, underscores the growing importance of religious tourism as a bridge between cultures and a contributor to the national economy. By showcasing Jordan’s sacred sites, the exhibition aims to deepen international understanding of the country’s religious significance, as well as to attract pilgrims and visitors seeking meaningful travel experiences.

This exhibition, opened at the Monte Frumentario Palace in cooperation with the Municipality of Assisi, acquires prime significance because it enhances Jordan’s mission as an outstanding religious, spiritual, and cultural destination. The choice of Assisi carries deep symbolic and spiritual significance. It is the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most revered figures in Christian history and a symbol of peace and interfaith dialogue. Having long been as a major destination for Christian pilgrimage, over five million pilgrims and visitors travel to Assisi seeking spiritual renewal and reflection every year.

This exhibition arrives at a particularly meaningful time. The year 2025 marks the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, declared under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope", a rare holy celebration held once every 25 years. This adds further spiritual weight to the exhibition’s stop in Assisi, aligning with broader religious observances in the global Christian community.

The opening ceremony was attended by Jordan Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab, Jordan’s Ambassador to Italy Qais Abu Dayeh, Provincial Superior of the Franciscan Order of Assis Fr. Francesco Belloni, and Deputy Mayor of Assisi Ms. Veronica Cavallucci, along with a  number of Italian political, religious, and cultural figures.

In her address, Jordanian Minister Annab underlined the importance of holding the exhibition in a city that reflects a symbolic impression, namely Assisi. She noted that His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein received the 2019 Lamp of Peace Award in the city, which was given to him in recognition of his efforts to promote human rights, brotherhood, interfaith dialogue, as well as peace in the Middle East and the world. She stressed that "this exhibition extends a humanitarian and spiritual message that transcends borders, while unveiling Jordan’s model of common living and harmony, as well as reflecting Jordan's image in its capacity as a land of peace, love, and humanity." She continued that Jordan is regarded as a major destination for Christian pilgrimage, as this exhibition contributes to promoting religious tourism and invites visitors to explore the Kingdom's holy sites.

For his part, Mr. Qais Abu Dayeh thanked the Municipality of Assisi in addition to its political, religious, and cultural authorities for hosting this key event. Stressing that "this cultural cooperation reflects the depth of the historical relations between Jordan and Italy, as well as consolidates the bridges of friendship and understanding between the two peoples," he highlighted Jordan's pivotal role in preserving the holy sites, with particular reference to the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem which embodies the Kingdom's constant commitment to protecting religious heritage.

On the other hand, Ms. Veronica Cavallucci stressed that the exhibition extends a strong message which calls for promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and that Assisi always welcomes initiatives that foster understanding and rapprochement among peoples.

The exhibition features about 90 rare artifacts from 34 archaeological sites in Jordan. It features five sites in Jordan officially designated by the Vatican as Christian pilgrimage destinations, namely the Baptism Site (“Bethany Beyond the Jordan” recognized as one of the holiest places in Christianity and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mount Nebo, Our Lady of the Mount Church in Anjara, Tel Mar Elias, and Machaerus Fortress.

"Jordan: Dawn of Christianity" is an invitation for dialogue, reflection, and spiritual connection, where Jordan and Assisi meet in a shared celebration of faith that transcends borders.

May this exhibition introduce tourists to the great importance of Jordan, the land of peace, as a destination for religious people who seek to walk in the steps of Lord Jesus and the Prophets-- who had trodden this holy land--to enjoy the scent of sanctity, and to visit this country which serves as a model of peace, tolerance, and common living.