Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a basilica in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, covering several holy sites under one roof. The building spans two levels and includes numerous chapels arranged around a central Edicule, a small freestanding structure made of marble and limestone inside the main rotunda.

Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena founded this building in 326 over the sites believed to be where Jesus was crucified and buried. Persian forces destroyed the original structure in the 7th century, and later rulers rebuilt and reshaped it several times over the following centuries.

Throughout the day you can hear prayers and chants in different languages as Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian communities hold separate services inside the same building. Pilgrims often kneel on the stone floor to touch the rock believed to mark the crucifixion site, while priests move between chapels wearing their traditional robes.

A Muslim family has held the keys to the main entrance since the 12th century and opens and closes the doors every morning and evening. The interior passageways can be narrow and crowded, especially during religious holidays, so patience and awareness of other visitors are helpful.

A wooden ladder has been resting below an upper window for centuries without anyone knowing who placed it there or why it has never been removed. The different Christian communities sharing the building have agreed among themselves that no change can be made without everyone's consent, so even small objects remain in place.

Location: Old City of Jerusalem

Inception: 14 century

Founders: Constantine the Great, Helena Augusta

Architectural style: Early Christian architecture, Romanesque architecture, Gothic architecture

Capacity: 8000

Length: 120 m

Width: 70 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Made from material: rock

GPS coordinates: 31.77844,35.22975

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:36