Things to Do at Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Complete Guide to Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
About Church of the Holy Sepulchre
What to See & Do
Stone of Anointing
The pink limestone slab inside the main entrance where tradition says Jesus' body was anointed before burial. Pilgrims kneel, kiss the stone, and rub cloths or rosaries across it. The stone glistens with olive oil that the Greek Orthodox church applies nightly. The emotional rawness of the scene - people weeping, praying, touching - is the church's most immediate experience
The Edicule (Tomb of Jesus)
The small marble structure built over the burial cave, renovated 2016-2017 after the structure was in danger of collapse. The queue to enter ranges from 20 minutes (early morning) to 2+ hours (midday). Inside: a tiny antechamber and the burial slab, now covered in marble. You get about 30 seconds. The experience is brief but the significance is immeasurable
Calvary (Golgotha)
The rock outcrop where tradition places the crucifixion, reached by steep stairs immediately inside the entrance. Two chapels sit side by side: the Greek Orthodox chapel (12th Station of the Cross) has a glass panel revealing the rock, and you can reach under the altar to touch it. The Catholic chapel has a silver altar. The emotional intensity in this small space is palpable
Ethiopian Orthodox Chapel (Roof)
Climb the stairs to the right of the main entrance to reach the roof, where Ethiopian Orthodox monks live in a small mud-and-stone monastery. Pushed out of the main building by other denominations, they've maintained this space for centuries. A few small cells, icons, and a chapel. It's the quietest and most human place in the entire complex
The Status Quo
Six denominations share the church under an 1853 Ottoman decree that froze every stone in place. The immovable ladder on the facade has been there since 1728 because no denomination can agree to move it. A Muslim family holds the keys since 1187. Understanding the Status Quo transforms a confusing building into a fascinating study of religious diplomacy
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Generally open daily from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though hours can vary by season and individual chapels may have different schedules. Some areas close during services.
Tickets & Pricing
Free entry to the church itself, though donations are appreciated. No advance booking required, but expect significant wait times for the most sacred sites.
Best Time to Visit
Very early morning (5-7 AM) or late afternoon tend to be less crowded. Avoid major Christian holidays unless you want to experience the full intensity - Easter week is particularly packed.
Suggested Duration
Plan for 1-2 hours minimum if you want to see the main sites, though you could easily spend half a day here if you're interested in the various chapels and want to attend a service.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
The traditional route Jesus walked to his crucifixion starts nearby and ends at the Holy Sepulchre. You can walk the Stations of the Cross, though the actual path is likely quite different from the historical route.
Just a few minutes away, this smaller Orthodox church offers a quieter spiritual experience and some beautiful icons. It's often overlooked by tourists, which makes it feel more authentic.
The area immediately around the Holy Sepulchre, filled with souvenir shops, cafes, and small hotels. It's touristy but convenient, and some of the shops have been family-run for generations.
Climb the bell tower here for some of the best views over the Old City. It's a nice counterpoint to the intensity of the Holy Sepulchre - quieter and more contemplative.
About a 10-minute walk through the Jewish Quarter, this is Judaism's holiest prayer site. The contrast between the two religious experiences is striking and worth experiencing on the same day.