The Church of the Holy Sepulcher was built atop the Hill of Golgotha (Calvary) where Jesus was crucified.
It is within the Christian Quarter within the old walls of ancient Jerusalem. In addition to encompassing the Hill of Golgotha, the Church also holds what many believe to be Jesus’ tomb and His body’s final resting place.
The Roman Emperor Hadrian construction a temple in the second century to the Roman goddess Venus serving a second purpose in that he wanted to bury the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Hadrian did not want early Christians to have a revered place they would rally to and grow their cause.
However in the third century, the first Roman Christian Emperor, Constantine replaced the temple with the original Church.
During the construction, the mother of Constantine, Helena is said to have discovered the True Cross and the tomb of Jesus. Which are now both kept within the Church walls.
The Church currently serves as the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox branch while being controlled by multiple other churches in a harmonious arrangement that has been kept for centuries.
The Church is a major pilgrimage destination for Christians from all over the world. It has been damaged many times over the years from fire, earthquake and war but is always rebuilt and stands glorious for all mankind.