Tomb of the Virgin Mary Religious Site

The Tomb of the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem is a religious site traditionally venerated as the burial place of Mary, mother of Jesus, and has been a focus of Christian pilgrimage for many centuries.

Christian tradition localized the burial place by at least the early Byzantine period and a church was established above the site; the complex has been rebuilt and modified in later centuries while retaining its role as a pilgrimage destination for various Christian communities.

The tomb is situated on the eastern side of Jerusalem in the vicinity of the Mount of Olives, a short distance east of the Old City walls.

• Shared veneration: The site is venerated by multiple Christian traditions as the traditional burial place of Mary and is visited by Orthodox, Catholic and other pilgrims.
• Access considerations: Access is on the eastern slopes of Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives; visiting hours and access depend on religious service schedules and custodial arrangements.

What to See#

• Burial chamber: Subterranean rock-cut chamber traditionally identified as the burial place, forming a simple rock-cut tomb with stone benches and devotional markings.
• Church complex: Overlying church and chapels from later periods built above and around the entrance to the tomb, reflecting continued veneration through Christian traditions.