Things to Do at Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands as Christianity's most sacred site, built over the traditional locations of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, this ancient church has been a pilgrimage destination for nearly 1,700 years. The current structure dates primarily to the Crusader period (12th century), though it incorporates elements from Constantine's original 4th-century basilica and subsequent Byzantine reconstructions. The church is jointly administered by six Christian denominations - Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, Coptic Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, and Ethiopian Orthodox - under a complex arrangement known as the Status Quo. This unique arrangement, formalized during Ottoman rule, governs everything from worship schedules to cleaning responsibilities. The church's architecture reflects this diversity, with different chapels and areas showcasing various Christian artistic traditions and liturgical practices.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. Enter through Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate and follow signs through the narrow stone streets. From Jaffa Gate, it's about a 5-minute walk through the souk. Public transportation doesn't reach the Old City directly, so visitors typically take buses to the city center and walk, or use taxis that can drop off near the gates. The nearest parking is outside the Old City walls.