Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Originally built by the mother of Emperor Constantine in 330 A.D., the Church of the Holy Sepulchre commemorates the hill of Jesus’ crucifixion and the site of His burial tomb.
The original Byzantine church was destroyed by Muslims in AD 1009, but was shortly thereafter rebuilt by the Crusaders.
The Holy Sepulchre is one of the oldest and most well known churches in the world.
Political/Cultural Significance
Six Christian denominations currently have ownership “rights” in the church: The Armenian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, “Latins” (the Roman Catholics), Syrian Orthodox, Copts, and Ethiopian Orthodox. These six groups do not always get along very peaceably.
The Via Dolorosa, or “The Way of Sorrow,” is a traditional path within the Old City of Jerusalem on which Jesus walked on the way to His crucifixion.
The Via Dolorosa is now a famous site for Christian pilgrimage, and is marked by 9 Stations of the Cross prior to entrance into the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Christian pilgrimages along a Via Dolorosa date as far back as the Byzantine era.
Biblical Significance
Luke 23:13-24:12 Jesus’ trial, walk to the cross, crucifixion, and burial.
