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Holy Sepulchre
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Entrance to the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem. Map of the Old City of Jerusalem divided into four color-coded quarters: Christian Quarter in blue, Muslim Quarter in yellow, Jewish Quarter in pink, and Armenian Quarter in green. Major streets, gates, religious sites, and landmarks such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and Al-Aqsa Mosque are labeled. An inset locator map shows the Old City's position within Jerusalem and the region.
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Holy Sepulchre

tomb, Jerusalem
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Quick Summary

Entrance to the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.
Entrance to the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is built on the traditional site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. According to the Bible, Jesus' tomb was near the crucifixion site, so the church was planned to encompass both.1

The church's history is marked by destruction and rebuilding. Emperor Constantine the Great first built a church there around 336 CE. It has since been destroyed and restored multiple times, with significant rebuilding by the Crusaders in the 12th century and further renovations in 1810. In 2016, the tomb enclosure, known as the Edicule, underwent restoration, revealing evidence suggesting the earliest shrine dates to around 345 CE.1

While continuously recognized since the 4th century as the site of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, the exact location has been debated due to historical events like the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Archaeological findings, such as the potential course of the second north wall of ancient Jerusalem, suggest the church's site may have been outside the city walls during Jesus' time, supporting its authenticity as the crucifixion and burial place.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
  2. Jerusalem - Roman rule

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