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Golgotha sits just inside the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Old City of Jerusalem.
Golgotha, or Calvary, was the area where Jesus was crucified. It sat immediately outside the city walls of Jerusalem at that time. Today, a set of stairs lead pilgrims up to the site.
Chapel of the Nailing of the Cross
Golgotha is split into two chapels, one belongs to the Roman Catholics and the other to the Greek Orthodox. The chapel immediately at the top of the stairs is the Franciscan Chapel of the Nailing of the Cross, which is the 11th Station of the Cross. It’s decorated with colorful mosaic images.
Chapel of the Crucifixion
Just to the north is the Greek Orthodox Chapel of the Crucifixion. Under the altar is a hole where pilgrims can touch the rock where the crucifixion took place. This marks the 12th Station of the Cross.
The rock of Golgotha sits under protective glass on either side of the altar. To the right of the altar and between the two chapels is a bust of the Virgin Mary, marking what many consider to be the 13th Station of the Cross.
The ceiling and arches of the Chapel of the Crucifixion are decorated with colorful frescoes, and the altar of the Catholicon is visible between the columns. The exit leads down to the main level. To the right is the ambulatory and to the left is the Stone of Unction and the way to the Rotunda.
Chapel of Adam
Directly underneath Golgotha is the Chapel of Adam, which dates back to the 11th century. According to Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified above the place where Adam’s skull was buried. Many believe the blood of Christ ran down the cross through the rocks and filled Adam’s skull.
A window in the apse of the chapel opens to a crack in the rock said to be caused by an earthquake immediately following Jesus’ death.
Greek Orthodox Treasury
The door to the right of the Chapel of Adam is the Greek Orthodox Treasury. The first room is a small office. It contains several antique icons. The door on the east side of the office opens to the treasury.
The treasury contains the relics of several saints as well as an icon of Saints Constantine and Helen with a piece of the True Cross. The relics are displayed under glass cases and labeled in Greek.
