The Holy Sepulchre

See highlights from the history of the Holy Sepulchre at this site.

Built by Emperor Constantine in 335 A.D. on the very site of Christ's resurrection, the Holy Sepulchre houses the Calvary or Golgotha and the tomb of Christ. The building was destroyed in successive wars, transformed in the Persian period and finally rebuilt by the Crusaders.

During restorations following the fire of 1808 and the earthquake of 1927, it was possible to determine the topography of the Golgotha and the tomb of Christ.

The Holy Sepulchre has private and communal areas. The former are given to the seven communities who share the church while the communal areas are under the authority of the Armenians, Greek Orthodox and Latin churches.

A two million dollar renovation project of the rotunda of the Holy Sepulchre was completed at the end of 1996 with inauguration ceremonies on January 2, 1997.

I was really too young and immature to appreciate it when I toured the church nearly 23 years ago. What I do remember is that the tour ended outside facing the Holy Land Souvenier Shop, and also how crowded and small parts of the church were. Perhaps when the kids are older my wife and I will go back.