Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Religious basilica in Old City, Israel
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Stone mosaics adorn buildings across continents, offering insights into the artistic traditions of different eras. Roman floor mosaics feature mythological scenes and geometric patterns in villas and public baths. Byzantine wall mosaics in churches depict religious figures using gold tesserae, while...
Holy Sepulchre
0 m
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
106 m
Mosque of Omar
69 m
Alexander's Court
88 m
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
106 m
Hezekiah's Pool
154 m
Al-Khanqah al-Salahiyya Mosque
57 m
Church of Saint Mary of the Latins
109 m
Monastery of S. Maria Latina
104 m
Queen Helen Coptic Orthodox Church
53 m
בית הכנסת ציון המצוינת
153 mSeventh Station of the Via Dolorosa
138 m
Chapel of St. John (Johanniterkapelle) Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
124 mNinth Station of the Via Dolorosa
73 mArch of the Virgin Mary
46 mSalah ad-Deen Ayyobi Waqf
67 mZisterne
66 mTomb of Christ
23 mTarrace view point
130 mScenic viewpoint
90 mArchäologischer Park „Durch die Zeiten“
99 mIX Station of the Cross
62 mVIII Station of the Cross
125 mX Station of the Cross
22 mXI Station of the Cross
25 mXII Station of the Cross
21 mTomb of Joseph of Arimathea
29 mTomb of Christ
23 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
How can one remain indifferent to this place where history takes a capital H!
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes