The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulcure lies in the Old City of Jerusalem, and many believe it is the site of the most important even in all of Christianity—the place where Christ died and rose again. The church also contains the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.
While the church is unassuming, the inside a sprawling maze of more than 30 different worship places, all shared amongst Greek Orthodox, Catholics, and Armenian Orthodox faiths. Several different architectural styles permeate the church as parts were destroyed and rebuilt and destroyed again throughout the years, and the interior is cramped and often heavily crowded.
Deep within, however, visitors can find the actual Tomb of Christ, its entrance flanked by massive candles. Here, the very air feels reverent and still, and there is a sense of the sacred unlike anything else. This is the place where Christ, Himself, rose from the dead.
Take a right turn at the entrance of the church and ascend a stone, spiral stair, and you’ll find yourself facing the top of the rocky outcrop upon which Christ was crucified. There is a silver disc in the floor marking the rock of Golgotha. Hundreds wait in line to touch the holy place and offer a prayer.
