Background: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre claims to stand on the true site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. At the start of the first century this was a disused quarry outside the city walls. archaeologists have found tombs in the area dated from the first century. Until 66AD the Jerusalem community is believed to have held public worship at the tomb. In 135AD Hadrian filled in the area to build a temple to Aphrodite. The Christian tradition persisted and Helena, mother of Constantine, chose this site for a church honouring Christ's resurrection. In 1009 the mad Caliph Hakim destroyed the church. In 1099 the Crusaders entered the city. The present-day church is more or less a Crusader structure of Byzantine origins.Note: Click on thumbnail for larger image.
Holy Sepulchre Photos
Entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Tombs in the Armenian chapel.
Chapel of St Helena.