Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most holy and special sites in Christianity. Located in Jerusalem, this church boasts two very important features – Calvary where Jesus was crucified, as well as his tomb- both located inside a shrine called Aedicula. The final four Stations of Cross are also found here along with these last few days before Easter Sunday!

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre: A Brief History

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in today’s Old City of Jerusalem. This church houses a number of Christian sacred sites, including Golgotha and where Jesus was buried. The New Testament tells that Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, “the place of the skull” which provides validation for this location to be inside the city walls around 10 years after his crucifixion with an enclosure built up around it not too long afterwards before Constantine I became emperor (around 313 AD).

The Church is built to commemorate the two holiest sites of Christianity. One corner that houses Calvary and one across from it with The Anastasis, also known as Resurrection where Jesus was buried after crucifixion in a cave tomb. A grand church finally consecrated on September 13th 335 AD stands over these holy places which were originally marked by wooden doors dating back centuries ago.

Seeing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre Like Never Before

Unlike any other location in Israel, exploring the Church of The Holy Sepulchre solo is completely doable. Once you arrive to Jerusalem, navigating there can be done by public transport or taxi. Yet with so much history and spiritual significance surrounding this iconic church- a tour will take your experience to an entirely new level! An experienced guide taking you through all noteworthy points that make up this holy site provides great insight into what makes it such a significant place for Christians from around the world.

The Calvary (Golgotha)

The Calvary (Golgotha) at the entrance of this church is a site to behold. It’s an extravagantly decorated and important part of the interior, but it also contains one exit: down another set of stairs into the ambulatory.

The Calvary church is a pilgrimage site for Catholics and Orthodox Christians alike. It has two chapels, one Greek Orthodox the other Catholic. The altar of the Greek chapel sits atop “the rock” which in fact marks Golgotha – also known as calvarium or skull hill – where Jesus was crucified according to Christian tradition; this is believed by many scholars to be beneath another later built structure (hippodrome). Visitors can touch it through an opening on its floor below the altars when they are open during worship services only! In between these chapels there stands a statue representing Mary at 13th station of cross who represents motherhood in Christianity.

Stone of Anointing

Visitors to the Church of Holy Sepulchre might be forgiven for not noticing it at first, but there is a small and inconspicuous stone in front of them. This long-disputed location has become known as the Stone of Anointing where Jesus’ body was prepared before burial according to tradition.

Aedicule

The Aedicule is a small chapel housing the Holy Sepulchre. It has two rooms, one holds the Angel’s Stone which was thought to be a fragment of stone that sealed Jesus’s tomb and another room houses his burial site since 14th century when marble plaque over it protected from further damage caused by pilgrims who flock around this holy ground.

The relic of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is one of Christianity’s holiest sites and for centuries, pilgrims have journeyed there to pay their respects. As a result, it has been attacked on many occasions through history but miraculously was never destroyed or damaged beyond repair by any invaders. The Aedicule underwent painstaking restoration and repair after years without being properly maintained which caused structural damage that became too dangerous to continue sustaining visitors’ safety. Admission is free so come enjoy this sacred site with us!

In summer, it opens at 5AM and closes at 9PM whereas during winters, its open from 4AM to 8P. Make sure to check their official website for up to date information on prices!

churchoftheholysepulchre.net