Église du Saint-Sépulcre
Église du Saint-Sépulcre
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsReligious Sites
About
Built in the fourth century over the site of a Roman Pagan temple, this is considered one of the world’s holiest shrines to Christians, preserving the most important moments of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
731 within 5 kms
Attractions
392 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6 848 reviews
Excellent
4 694
Very good
1 321
Average
562
Poor
180
Terrible
91
GreenThumb331
San Fernando, Philippines2 870 contributions
Apr 2019
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the most sacred site in the world for millions of Christians. This if the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is a major pilgrimage center for Christians all around the world.
The church was built during the 4th century by the Emperor Constantine, who accepted Christianity and made it the official religion of the Roman Empire.This place has been identified in the New Testament as an area of abandoned stone quarries just outside the city wall of the time. About 10 years after the crucifixion, a third wall was built that enclosed the area of the execution and burial within the city, and this accounts for the Holy Sepulcher’s location inside the Old City of Jerusalem today.
We had to line up for both the Calvary cross hole and the tomb of Jesus. It was early evening and the line was much shorter near the closing time of the church. More time for queuing will be used up during peak times for the tomb. Also, inside the church is the Stone of Anointing, believed to be where Jesus’s body was prepared for burial and the tomb and the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, the wealthy Jewish man who buried the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion.
The church was built during the 4th century by the Emperor Constantine, who accepted Christianity and made it the official religion of the Roman Empire.This place has been identified in the New Testament as an area of abandoned stone quarries just outside the city wall of the time. About 10 years after the crucifixion, a third wall was built that enclosed the area of the execution and burial within the city, and this accounts for the Holy Sepulcher’s location inside the Old City of Jerusalem today.
We had to line up for both the Calvary cross hole and the tomb of Jesus. It was early evening and the line was much shorter near the closing time of the church. More time for queuing will be used up during peak times for the tomb. Also, inside the church is the Stone of Anointing, believed to be where Jesus’s body was prepared for burial and the tomb and the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, the wealthy Jewish man who buried the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aberaha
Sao Paulo, SP101 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The church of the Holy Sepulcre is an interesting place. Dark, it offers the final stations of the Via Dolorosa and the Sepulcre itself. But it also shows the base of the Golgotha, the Saint Helen (Emperor Constantino’s mother) Church, the division among the Christian Orthodox Churches, the Franciscan Friars, etc. The mosaic work is astonishingly beautiful and the different rites are quite interesting to see. And the thousands of “signatures” in crusade crosses at the pillars in the entrance. Just make sure not to be locked in: they close at 9pm and those inside must remain. No way out until morning!
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK10 790 contributions
Dec 2022
For a church that is s important to the Christian faith I really did expect more. We visited early in the morning in December so there were very few people around. Some of the architecture and decorations are pretty but there is no Wow factor like you get in Palermo or Haiga Sofia. It's a succession of small and dark rooms that you are mostly free to wander through. Nothing is labelled or explained, if you're a believer then you'll know what something is and if you aren't then you don't matter. The constant rebuilding and renovation means there is no stylistic flow through the areas of the church, it all seems very disjointed.
There is a stone inside the door which is allegedly the stone Jesus's body was laid on. Faith is very strange and deeply primitive and I was surprised at the emotional responses of a lot of visitors. We spent maybe 30 minutes inside and really should have gone with a guide to make sense of what was there and make sure we saw everything. The current building is a mixture of Byzantine, Crusader and Ottoman architecture, the original Roman basilica being destroyed in 1009 by the Fatimid caliph. If you are a believer then this is nirvana, if you're not it's just an average church so manage your expectations before going.
There is a stone inside the door which is allegedly the stone Jesus's body was laid on. Faith is very strange and deeply primitive and I was surprised at the emotional responses of a lot of visitors. We spent maybe 30 minutes inside and really should have gone with a guide to make sense of what was there and make sure we saw everything. The current building is a mixture of Byzantine, Crusader and Ottoman architecture, the original Roman basilica being destroyed in 1009 by the Fatimid caliph. If you are a believer then this is nirvana, if you're not it's just an average church so manage your expectations before going.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard S
Queensbury, UK706 contributions
Mar 2020
Four religious groups own the Church and apparently cannot agree on any thing including how to renovate the inside. So be prepared some of it is dilapidated some not so.Four religions four styles some very ornate.
Take a guide.
Take a guide.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5 698 contributions
Jan 2020
Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, led the effort 300 hundred years after Jesus’ crucifixion to build a church here. The Romans unknowingly marked the spot with a pagan temple built to deter faithful pilgrims from worshiping at the location. The original church was eventually destroyed by the Persians, rebuilt and destroyed by the Muslims, and eventually reconstructed by the Crusaders. Fires, earthquakes and the passing of time have taken their toll on the building, but you won’t be thinking of that when you’re here. For Christians, it is the holiest place on Earth - where Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. All under one roof! Be prepared to be overwhelmed. No matter how much time you have here, you’ll want more. Go as early as possible. Visit the Rock of Calvary and Christ’s Tomb first (keep in mind that when it’s closing time, it’s closing time – no one will care if you’ve been in line for hours). Afterwards, you can explore the 30-plus chapels and worship spaces of the Christian rites that share ownership of this incredible church. Do not miss the Chapel of St Helena, built by the Crusaders in her honor, and the Chapel of the Finding of the True Cross.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cimmerianbloke
Rixensart, Belgium503 contributions
May 2022
The Church is the shelter to Christ's crucifixion and burial sites. It protects the Golgotha rock where Jesus was nailed to his cross, died and also the place where he was buried before resuscitating. It has a very spiritual meaning to Christians, and the Middle Eastern vibe of the decorum makes it all the more so special. However, the way the place is administrated (you can read about it in any guidebook) means it's almost dereclit in places. It can also be very crowded and queues to visit the Tomb of Jesus can strech over an hour. Do not hesitate to come back at different hours of the day as the light can change the atmosphere quite drastically.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mtangulo
Washington DC, DC944 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This church is the center of Christian faith, it’s built on the location where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. It is not one church it’s many built on top of one and other, you arrive at the entry in a side, there is a small plaza, it’s hard to imagine this is the entry to this place that holds so much history. It is always crowded and there is lines to see the most holy locations. At the entrance you will see the the stone of Anointing, it’s believed Jesus body was prepared here for burial, you can kneel, pray and touch the stone. Close to the entrance you can also visit the place where the cross was located you have to climb a steep staircase in line to access a small Greek/Christian chapel, the line allows one by one to stop kneel, bow, and pray. You continue exploring and make sure you visit the space directly under the Calvary is the Chapel of Adam. You can continue walking and visiting many other chapels, you can admire the different architectural styles, arches and columns holding arches that allow the visualization of the complex construction during different centuries and cultures. In a rotunda Under a dome there is a small chapel that encloses the Holy sepulcher, there is always a long and slow line to visit the chapel.
The spaces have little light, the areas are dim. It is a very special experience for Christians it’s meaning and history makes this visit a pilgrimage to the most holy of locations. Highly recommended for all.
The spaces have little light, the areas are dim. It is a very special experience for Christians it’s meaning and history makes this visit a pilgrimage to the most holy of locations. Highly recommended for all.
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReCensore1980
Turin, Italy318 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The Holiest place for every Believer. It’s a sum of different faiths and you must visit it. It’s located of the end of the so called “via dolorosa” and once there you may find a lot of people, different languages and a lot of queues.
We visited it in the morning but we had nor enough time so we went back in the afternoon of the following day and we could appreciate much more as there’s less crowd. You cannot stay too much inside the tomb; there’s a monk who tell you to speed up!
We visited it in the morning but we had nor enough time so we went back in the afternoon of the following day and we could appreciate much more as there’s less crowd. You cannot stay too much inside the tomb; there’s a monk who tell you to speed up!
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally
Edgware, UK10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
A visit to Jerusalem is like no other in that it is a truly religious city for many different people. The city itself is undergoing enormous regeneration and the buildings are very well designed. The bus service is like no other and can take you all over the country at very cheap prices. The light rail runs through the centre of town and the new Main line station, Navon has to be experienced. The trains are new, modern and very clean and access is down five escalators. The journey to Tel Aviv is partly underground which is a pity as it is not possible to see all the land which is wonderful.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy C
237 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
How? Can't really explain in words. If you're Christian, you'll possibly share the same experience when you visit. For non-Christians, the church is ornate and historical, but not sure the crowds are worth it if this is not the basis of your faith. For those who believe, tolerate the lines and rude people and wait for the opportunity to spend a few minutes inside the tomb. It was quite moving. If you're into it, bring some items to place on the stone where Jesus' body was placed for burial preparation after being removed from the cross. These will be much more meaningful than keychains or t-shirts brought back as souvenirs that say Jersualem on them. The vendors in the surrounding market also sell small crosses and rosary, but be prepared to pay way more since it's the mecca of tourist traps.
Written 15 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo, wir wollen am Freitag Abend Ende März/Anfang April 23 die Kirche besuchen; dazu folgende Fragen: 1. wann endet der Einlass? 2. Wie voll ist es möglichst spät abends (‚als Letzte‘)? 3. Wann ist das offizielle Schliessungsritual (wollen wir gleich mit ansehen dann?
Written 5 March 2023
Hi. How much time is recommended to plan for a good visit to Holy Sepulchre Church?
Written 25 July 2020
Bisogna preventivare una buona attesa sia all'ingresso che all'interno dove normalmente si assiepa molta gente. Nei periodi più tranquilli si entra però senza fare coda. All'interno però ci sono sempre parecchi fedeli/turisti. Comunque la Basilica, anche se dall'esterno non ne da l'impressione è molto ampia, con sale disposte su diversi piani, sia sotto che sopra quello principale. Consiglio di avvalersi di una guida che si può reperire anche nei dintorni e con un pò di fortuna che parli anche l'Italiano
Written 30 September 2020
There is a typo: It should read "ca. 1101-1105" and not "1001-1005
Written 16 February 2020
Nein, kostet keinen Eintritt. Ist aber immer sehr gut besucht.
Written 8 October 2019
Are you allowed to stay overnigth inside the Holy Sepulchre Church? How do I get the permission to do that, if so?
Written 1 June 2019
מקום טממממממממאא!!!שקץ תשקצינו אין צה לחפש שם!!! אסור לדרוך שם !!!!!
Written 8 May 2019
מקום אסור!
טמא אם הרבה שקרים אין לדרוך שם בשום פנים ואופן!!!!!
הכול הכול הכול שקר!!!!!!
Written 8 May 2019
Do you get a personal certificate of pilgrimage signed by the guardian of the Church when you visit this site
Written 25 April 2019
That I do not know. Ohri Travels was my tour guide, I can check with him if the do that at the church but since we weren’t Catholic we weren’t concerned with anything like what you speak. Let me check, I’ll get back with you.
Written 26 April 2019
As I have asthma which is triggered by incense smoke, can I wear a respirator inside the church? What would I have to do to be allowed to wear one?
Written 18 March 2019
That is perhaps a good idea. The combination of the incense and overcrowded space can be difficult.
Written 22 May 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 27
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing