Ammon News - The number of visitors to the archaeological site of Machaerus reached 8,996 during the first seven months of this year, compared with 9,066 visitors during the same period last year, marking a slight decline of 0.8%, according to preliminary data from Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The data showed that the number of foreign visitors to the site between January and July 2026 totaled 7,304, compared with 8,251 during the same period in 2025, a decrease of 11.5%.

In contrast, the number of Jordanian visitors rose to 1,692 during the first seven months of this year, compared with 815 during the same period last year, representing an increase of 107.6%.

The site recorded its highest visitor count in February, with 3,669 visitors, compared with 2,809 in the same month last year.

On Saturday, under the patronage of Prince El Hassan bin Talal, a cultural and spiritual program will be launched at the historic Machaerus site as part of preparations for the global commemoration of Saint John the Baptist in 2030. The event will feature a performance of Handel’s renowned oratorio "Messiah" under the theme "Echoes of Faith… Voices of Heritage."