The Italian Embassy to Jordan, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and funded by the European Union, has launched a strategic initiative to develop the archaeological sites of Mukawer and Abila in Jordan. The project, announced by the EU Delegation to Jordan on 5 July 2026, aims to enhance Jordan's cultural heritage and promote religious and cultural tourism, with a focus on sustainable economic growth and community development. The initiative is aligned with Jordan's national tourism objectives and looks ahead to the 2029 and 2030 commemorations associated with the sites linked to St. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
The project, titled "Support to the socio-economic recovery and promotion of sustainable local development through the enhancement of cultural heritage sites," is implemented by AICS in collaboration with Jordan's Department of Antiquities (DoA) and the University of Perugia. Two key site events marked the start of the implementation phase: a site visit at Mukawer on 2 July 2026 and a session at Abila on 5 July 2026, bringing together local authorities, academic partners, technical experts, and local communities. During these events, partners presented upcoming works, expected results, and archaeological, architectural, and conservation plans.
The project includes investments in securing access routes to the Mukawer fortress and preserving historical caves along the path. Capacity building is a central pillar, with specialized training programs for staff of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) and DoA scheduled to begin on 14 July 2026, in partnership with Yarmouk University, focusing on integrated conservation and advanced archaeological research methodologies.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Jordan's position as a destination for religious and cultural tourism, promoting a shared spiritual heritage rooted in both Christian and Islamic traditions. For local communities, the project aims to create sustainable employment opportunities and foster long-term economic growth. For the EU and Italy, it reinforces their cultural partnership with Jordan and supports the Kingdom's national development goals. The project's emphasis on landscape protection and visitor experience enhancement is likely to benefit tourists and the broader tourism sector, while the training programs will build local expertise in heritage conservation.