Can anyone visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

People of all faiths are welcome to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Located in the prominent Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, one can easily secure transport via taxi to the revered site. Though individuals are welcome to visit the church on their own, we recommend visiting the church as part of a tour. The church is rich in history; visiting with a tour is the best way to take note of the many aspects of the facility that are of particular religious importance.

Can anyone enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

All are welcome to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Those walking the famed Via Dolorosa through Jerusalem will find their journey ends inside the basilica. 

When entering the church, visitors will see a staircase leading to Calvary, the site of Jesus' crucifixion. In that area are two chapels—one Greek Orthodox and one Catholic. The Greek Orthodox Chapel encompasses the Rock of Calvary, which can be seen through a glass window or touched via an opening in the floor near the altar. This site is the 12th Station of the Cross in the Via Dolorosa. In between the altars in the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Chapels is the 13th and final Station of the Cross.

Also near the facility's entry is the Stone of Anointing (or Stone of Unction). This stone table is said to be where the body of Jesus was laid after being taken down from the cross. 

Surrounded by ancient mosaics, ornate candles, and beautiful tapestries, the church flows from one chapel to the next, each commemorating various aspects of the passion week. In all, there are 22 chapels in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and multiple crypt areas—the most notable chapels are inside the Rotunda and known as the Resurrection Chapels—The Chapel of Mary Magdalene and the Franciscan Resurrection Chapel. 

Veteran visitors to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre advise visiting early in the day as the facility can become crowded as early as 9:00 A.M. Also, be advised that Jerusalem can become very warm during summer. Some may find it uncomfortable walking the grounds in the afternoon heat.

Also, due to the COVID pandemic, various restrictions have impacted the visiting schedule. We advise checking with a local tour service before finalizing your schedule.

Who leads services in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

The facility is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. From April—September, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is open from 5:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. From October—March, the church is open from 4:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Throughout the year, the facility closes at 8:00 P.M. on Sundays. 

With few exceptions, the Confraternity of the Holy Sepulchre (Greek Orthodox), the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land (Catholic), and the Brotherhood of St James (Armenian Orthodox) coordinate daily services and masses.