Tomb of Lazarus, Sacred tomb in al-Eizariya, Palestine
The Tomb of Lazarus is a burial site carved into limestone in al-Eizariya, Palestine, located beneath the modern town surface. Stone steps lead down from two separate entrance areas into the connected chambers cut into the natural bedrock.
The tomb has been linked to the biblical Lazarus since the fourth century, when pilgrims began building churches over the site. Excavations in the mid-twentieth century uncovered early building layers and ancient burial niches, documenting continuous religious use.
The site is named after Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus raised from the dead in the New Testament, and today draws visitors from both faiths. In the Muslim tradition he appears as al-Azir, honored as a friend of the Prophet, making the location a rare example of shared religious devotion.
The stairway is narrow and steep, so visitors with mobility concerns should move carefully when descending. Crowds gather on weekends and religious holidays, making early morning visits a better option for a quieter experience.
The entrance has been moved several times over the centuries to accommodate changing religious access rules. Today one stairway descends through the mosque, while the other brings pilgrims inside via an adjacent chapel.
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