Assisi, Italy – July 2025
As part of Jordan’s continued efforts to promote its rich religious heritage and position the Kingdom as a key destination for faith-based tourism, the exhibition “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity” was officially inaugurated in the historic city of Assisi, Italy, on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Lina Annab, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; H.E. Qais Abu Dayyeh, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Italy; Father Francesco Belloni, regional head of the Franciscan Order in Assisi; and Deputy Mayor Veronica Cavallucci, along with numerous Italian dignitaries and representatives from the political, religious, and cultural spheres.
The city of Assisi, renowned as a global center for peace, dialogue, and pilgrimage — welcoming over five million visitors annually — provides a powerful backdrop for this exhibition. Its selection as host further amplifies the exhibition’s message of Jordan as a land of spirituality, tolerance, and cultural dialogue.
In her remarks, Minister Annab highlighted the symbolic significance of hosting the exhibition in Assisi, recalling the 2019 presentation of the Lamp of Peace to His Majesty King Abdullah II in recognition of his leadership in promoting interfaith harmony and human rights. She noted, “This exhibition carries a profound human and spiritual message, reflecting Jordan’s identity as a land of peace, coexistence, and shared religious heritage.” Minister Annab also reaffirmed Jordan’s role as a leading destination for Christian pilgrimage and underscored the exhibition’s contribution to strengthening the Kingdom’s position in religious and cultural tourism. Ambassador Abu Dayyeh expressed his gratitude to the city of Assisi and its leadership for their warm reception and support, emphasizing that “this initiative is a testament to the longstanding friendship and cultural cooperation between Jordan and Italy.” He also highlighted Jordan’s commitment to preserving religious sites and values through the Hashemite Custodianship of Christian and Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem.
Deputy Mayor Cavallucci praised the exhibition for fostering intercultural and interfaith dialogue, affirming Assisi’s openness to initiatives that bring people together through shared understanding and respect.
Guests had the opportunity to explore a remarkable collection of nearly 90 rare artifacts, curated from 34 archaeological sites across Jordan. The exhibition traces the early roots of Christianity in Jordan, featuring significant locations such as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Mount Nebo, Machaerus, Tell Mar Elias, and Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Anjara.
Visitors commended the exhibition for its rich spiritual and historical narrative, offering insight into the enduring Christian presence in Jordan across centuries and civilizations.
Curated by artistic director Eyad Khzuz and organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, the Assisi exhibition marks the second stop on an international tour, following a successful showcase at the Vatican Museums earlier this year. The exhibition will run at the Monte Frumentario Palace in Assisi until August 2, before continuing to Athens, Greece, in September.
“Jordan: Dawn of Christianity” invites international audiences on a profound journey into the origins of Christian faith, beginning in Jordan and continuing to inspire millions around the world.
