Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

The church of the holy sepulcher in Jerusalem, also called church of the resurrection, is one of the most important Christian shrines in the world. It is a large complex, comprising the actual location of the final five stations of the cross, from ten to fourteen, including the crucifixion site and the holy crypt. All churches in the world, whether orthodox or catholic, are represented inside the complex, by altars and icons.

Station eleven. Chapel of the Nailing of the Cross. It features a twelfth century mosaic of Jesus being nailed to the cross. An imposing altar and mosaic ornaments. Through a window in the south wall, the Chapel of the Agony of the Virgin can be seen. Just to the left of the altar is a statue of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, which is Station thirteen. Jesus' body removed from the cross and given to Mary.

A few steps lead to the Golgotha. On this elevated rock, Jesus was crucified. Station twelve. The church was built around this Calvary. A statue of the virgin Mary and many bronze and golden chandeliers overlook the main altar. The rock itself can be seen under the glass on either side of the main altar. Beneath the altar there is a hole that allows you to touch the rock itself. The slot cut for the cross is shown in the east apse along with those of the two crucified burglars.

The rounded area of the church, or the Rotunda, preserves the location and shape and a few original columns of Constantine's fourth century Church built on the site of Christ's tomb. It is surmounted by a large dome and decorated with twelve stars symbolizing the 12 apostles.

Underneath the large dome is the Tomb of Christ enshrined in a chapel which contains two small rooms. The first is the Greek Orthodox Chapel of the Angel, with an altar containing a piece of the stone, which was rolled away by angels at the Resurrection. The second is the tiny Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, which contains the tomb of Christ. It is the fourteenth Station of the Cross. A marble slab covers the place where the body of Christ was laid and from which he rose from the dead. A vase with candles marks the spot where his head rested.

The stone of Unction, which commemorates the preparation of Jesus' body for burial. Behind the Stone, a mosaic depicting Jesus' anointing for burial, decorates the outer wall of the Greek orthodox cathedral.

Chapel of Saint Helena, mother of Constantine. A seat in the corner of the chapel is said to have been occupied by Helena as she searched for Jesus' Cross. From this corner, a few steps descend into the Chapel of the Finding of the Cross.

The mount of olives, is also an important place for pilgrimage. It is located on the hillside opposing the ancient stone walls of Jerusalem. On that hill, is the Gethsemane garden, where Jesus prayed to be delivered from the terrifying destiny awaiting him, while his three disciples fell asleep nearby. The church of all nations was built around the rock where Jesus knelt down and prayed endlessly on that night.

Outside the church, is the Gethsemane olive garden, where trees have a proven age of more than 2000 years. the apostles cave is also nearby, it is the place where the apostles hid when Jesus was taken in. On the mount of olives, there's also the church of the tear drop, recalling the place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Finally, the church of the ascension, built over the rock where Jesus put his last footsteps on earth, before ascending to heaven.