This is the core of it all. The place where the crucification and resurrection too place. It is also an exceedingly crowded place but a definite must see even if you are a non believer.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the most sacred site in the world for millions of Christians. This if the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The church was built during the 4th century by the Emperor Constantine, who accepted Christianity and made it the official religion of the Roman Empire. His mother, Saint Helena, toured the Holy Land and identified the sites in which the events mentioned in the New Testament took place. Helena identified this place as the Calvary, where Jesus was crucified. She also identified the burial plot of Joseph of Arimathea, who facilitated Jesus’ burial after he was taken down from the cross. Lying within the boundaries of the church are the last stations in Jesus’ Way of Grief- from the 9th to the 14th station.
Many changes took place in the church over the years, and it was formed into its current shape during the crusader era. During its early days in the Byzantine era, it was larger and known as “The Resurrection Church”, commemorating Jesus’ rise from the dead.
During the 13th century, the responsibility for opening the church and keeping the church’s keys was given to two Muslim families, and they are still, to this day, responsible for the church’s keys and its opening at dawn and closure at sunset. Most of the compound is held by the Catholic Church, the Armenian Church and the Greek Orthodox Church, with limited rights to the Syrian and Coptic Churches.
During the 19th century a status-quo agreement was signed between the various communities, defining the rights of prayer and ownership for the different communities involved in the church.
The church façade was designed during the crusader area. In the past, on top of the entrance arches, there were lintels decorated with crusader embossments. They are currently in the custodianship of the Rockefeller Museum. The bell tower on the left side was also built during the crusader era. For many of the tourists visiting this place, this is the highlight of their visit to the Holy Land.
Photos courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism, by Noam Chen
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 6789 traveler reviews“Also Explore the "Angel Stone" & Additional Chapels”
Enter through the original wooden doors from the Basilica's reconstruction under the Crusader Era of 1100 AD, into the dimly-lit sacred grounds of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most venerated and holy sites in Christianity. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, located this ancient site in 326 AD during...
MoreEnter through the original wooden doors from the Basilica's reconstruction under the Crusader Era of 1100 AD, into the dimly-lit sacred grounds of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most venerated and holy sites in Christianity. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, located this ancient site in 326 AD during her Christian pilgrimage to The Holy Land, where a relic of the cross of Jesus had been discovered. The original Christian Church was constructed at that time, but throughout history there have been many challenges to the structure and numerous changes and expansions. Considered the location of the crucifixion, entombment and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the numerous Christians who assemble here keep their voices respectfully low in reverence. "Golgotha" or "Calvary", where Jesus was crucified, is accessed up stairs to a higher platform. Be prepared to quickly place your hand into a hole to feel the stone where the Cross of Jesus Christ was mounted; you will have only a moment in this rapidly moving, yet long line. Descend the stairs on the opposite side and first get a glimpse of the exposed rock of Calvary from below, protected by glass. Then view the stone where the body of Jesus was laid to be prepared for burial as you proceed to the "Aedicula" line. Lines for the recently renovated "Aedicula" which protects the tomb where the body of Jesus was temporarily laid, are exceptionally long. Upon my first visit with a tour group, the lines were so expansive that the guide would not let us wait. Recently I toured with my adult son on his first Christian Pilgrimage. We arrived late afternoon during a rain storm and found the lines to be equally challenging. During our long wait to visit the Tomb site, the massive wooden entry doors and areas within the Basilica were closed to the public, but those already inside were allowed to remain in place. The lights came up, giving life to the interior, and a processional mass was conducted by Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Armenian Priests. Such a deeply moving experience to hear their chanting echo from throughout the various areas of the large Basilica. Again, you will have just several brief seconds to enter the "Aedicula", where a marble stone was placed over the tomb in the 14th century, to prevent further destruction from human touch. NOTE: While we were unaware at the time and missed the opportunity, behind the entrance to the "Aedicula" is a small chapel, which is said to contain the "Angel Stone", a fragment of the stone that sealed the tomb of Jesus Christ. We did not see anyone enter to touch the Angel Stone, so this must be a little known secret. Also, we had time to explore the many chapels within the Basilica, which a tour may not show you. Several Stations of the Cross are contained within these spaces. Attempt to view the Basilica on your own before or after the masses of people arrive/depart. Enjoy your deeply spiritual experience!
Less“Where Christ was Crucified, Buried and Resurrected ”
“Interesting and challenging site for photography”
We visited on a pilgrimage, and this is a very rewarding spiritual site, but my focus in this review is on photography. First, the basics: it is crowded and there will be lines controlling access to the sacred locations, so be flexible and travel with minimal gear. Second, on this visit my gear was...
MoreWe visited on a pilgrimage, and this is a very rewarding spiritual site, but my focus in this review is on photography. First, the basics: it is crowded and there will be lines controlling access to the sacred locations, so be flexible and travel with minimal gear. Second, on this visit my gear was a pocket camera with flash off, high ISO and white balance adjusted for lighting. Many people were using I-Phones with good results. Look around since this is a complex building with small chapels inside. Remember to take wide-angles that show context and then zoom in for closeups. Expect post-processing at home afterwards.
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