Calvary Hill

Calvary, also known as Golgotha, is the site traditionally identified by many Christian traditions as where the crucifixion took place. It sits within the complex of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City and is a central pilgrimage location.

The spot is marked by exposed rock and a small chapel area within the church, and is incorporated into the church’s sequence of devotional stations. Multiple Christian denominations maintain altars and liturgical spaces in and around the area.

Identification of the site within the current church dates to early Christian tradition and the fourth century when Constantine’s mother Helena commissioned a church over sites venerated as the tomb and place of crucifixion. The present-day Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains both the rock of Calvary and the adjacent rotunda that houses the tomb.

Situated in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s walled Old City, the site is part of a dense urban fabric of narrow streets, markets and other historic religious sites.

• Location and access: Located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City, access is through the church and is subject to the building’s visiting hours and religious services.

What to See#

• Rock of Calvary (Golgotha): The exposed rock within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre traditionally identified as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and marked by chapels and altars under the church roof.

Calvary is inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter. The Old City is walkable from nearby Jewish and Muslim Quarter sites; the Jaffa Gate and Damascus Gate provide pedestrian access routes. Public buses and light rail serve the western approaches, but expect to walk the final narrow lanes.

• Be respectful and discreet-Calvary (Golgotha) is within a complex of active religious sites; photography may be restricted in certain areas.
• Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and to experience quieter moments for reflection.
• Combine a visit with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the sites are close but administered by multiple Christian denominations-understand the 'Status Quo' arrangements if attending liturgy.