About Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
Christians have venerated this spot since at least the fourth century as the place where Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. Emperor Constantine ordered the first basilica after his mother Helena visited Jerusalem. The present church is a dim, layered maze of chapels shaped by Byzantine, Crusader and later restorations, and it ends the traditional Via Dolorosa. Pilgrims of many traditions still trace the final Stations of the Cross inside its walls.
Six denominations share the building under a centuries-old arrangement known as the Status Quo: Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, Coptic, Ethiopian and Syriac Orthodox. Each holds particular altars and times for worship, and even small changes require agreement. Since the Ottoman era a Muslim family has kept the key to the main door. The Edicule over the tomb was restored in 2017, and the Holy Fire ceremony at Orthodox Easter draws vast crowds.
What to see
- The Edicule over the tomb
- Golgotha chapel and the Rock of Calvary
- The Stone of Anointing
- Chapel of Saint Helena
- Ethiopian monastery on the roof
Visiting Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem: practical guide
- Best time
- Early morning on weekdays; avoid Easter week unless attending
- Hours
- Generally open early morning to evening; hours vary by season
- Entry
- Free
- Dress code
- Shoulders and knees covered
- Nearest airport
- Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), 50 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Arrive at opening to see the Edicule with fewer people
- Queues inside the tomb can last an hour at busy times
- Respect services of each community and keep voices low
- Walk the Via Dolorosa beforehand for context
Festivals and special days
- Easter and Holy Week
- Holy Fire on Orthodox Holy Saturday
- Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem?
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem is in Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel and Palestine, Asia. GPS coordinates: 31.7785, 35.2296. The nearest airport is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), 50 km.
What is the best time to visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem?
Early morning on weekdays; avoid Easter week unless attending
Is there an entry fee for Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem?
Free Opening hours: Generally open early morning to evening; hours vary by season
What should I wear when visiting Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem?
Shoulders and knees covered
Which religion is Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem sacred to?
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
