The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, is for many Christians the holiest place on earth – the traditional site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This complete guide gathers our articles on its history, the pilgrim experience and where to stay, and sets out the practical basics for planning a visit.

In This Series

• The Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Christianity’s Holiest Site
• Pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre: Devotion in Jerusalem
• Where to Stay in Jerusalem: Budget Lodging Near the Old City

Who Comes Here

Pilgrims of nearly every Christian tradition – Catholic, Orthodox, Armenian, Coptic and Protestant – come to pray at the tomb and walk the Via Dolorosa. Many time their visit to Holy Week and Easter, the spiritual climax of the Christian year, though the church receives visitors daily throughout the year.

When to Visit

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather. Easter and Christmas bring the deepest atmosphere but also the largest crowds and highest prices; for a quieter, more reflective visit, choose an ordinary weekday morning, when the church opens early. Dress modestly and expect security checks at the Old City gates.

Getting There

Jerusalem is about an hour from Tel Aviv by bus or train, with onward connections to the city centre. From the New City, the light rail and local buses reach the Old City gates; the nearest entrances to the church are Jaffa Gate and Damascus Gate, from which it is a short walk through the lanes. The Old City itself is explored entirely on foot.

Explore More Sacred Sites

• The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
• Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica, Rome
• The Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth
• Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• Lourdes, France
• Fatima, Portugal
• Mont-Saint-Michel, France
• The Holy Sites of Christianity: A Guide to the Great Sacred Places