Why visit the Holy Sepulchre & Garden Tomb?

The Holy Sepulchre, tradition holds that Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected, making it one the holiest and meaningful sites of pilgrimage for Christians.

The Garden Tomb, discovered in 1867, is also a site believed by many,, primarily Protestants to be Jesus' burial place and resurrection.

Both sites uniquely allow all pilgrims the space and time to reflect on the meaning of Jesus' life, teachings and resurrection.

Recent archaeological work beneath the Holy Sepulchre has uncovered evidence of an ancient garden, which supports Gospel accounts of a burial site in a garden outside the city walls. 

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

• Significance: According to tradition dating back to the 4th century, this church contains the sites of Jesus' crucifixion (Calvary/Golgotha) and his tomb.

  
  

• Via Dolorosa: The 14 Stations of the Cross, Jesus' final journey from trial to crucifixion, ends with the final 4 stops inside the Holy Sepulchre.

  
  

• History: Early Christians in the centuries immediately following Jesus' life, marked this site as the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. The first church was built by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century. It was rebuilt and modified over the centuries, with much of the structure seen today dating from the Crusader period.

  
  

• Archaeological findings: Excavations have revealed evidence of an ancient garden, including traces of olive and grape cultivation, which supports the Gospel accounts of Jesus' burial at this site, in a garden outside the city walls. 

  
  

The Garden Tomb

• Significance: Discovered in 1867, this site is believed by many Protestants to be the location of Jesus' tomb, offering a peaceful, contemplative alternative to the Holy Sepulchre.

  
  

• Visual Reminder: This site is an authenticated tomb from the first century with quiet, lush gardens, perfect for church services and contemplation. The authenticity of this site may be debated among scholars, this location certainly serves as a very powerful visual reminder of the final place of Jesus' burial and resurrection.

  
  

• Location: The site is located in East Jerusalem, just outside the current city walls, near a cliff face called 'Skull Hill,' which is believed by some to indicate the site of Jesus' burial and crucifixion. 

  
  

Historical context and debate

• The discovery of the garden beneath the Holy Sepulchre has lent support to the Gospel accounts and provided new insights into the historical setting of the crucifixion and burial.

  
  

• Ultimately, both the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb hold deep significance for Christians, who venerate the sites for their association with the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the perfect place to feel and resonate with the life of Jesus.