CITYsights: Revealing the oldest 'graffiti' in Israel
Christian believers have been coming to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for centuries, as is evidenced by writings dating from 1384.
By ITRAVELJERUSALEM TEAMChurch of Holy Sepulchre(photo credit: REUTERS)
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, draws millions of pilgrims from around the world every year. Built during the 4th century at the behest of Emperor Constantine I, it is believed to be the site of Golgotha (the Hill of Calvary) where, according to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Christian believers have been coming here for centuries, as is evidenced by the oldest known "graffiti" in Israel, dating from 1384.
But as the Church's name implies, the main attraction is the tomb where Jesus is believed to have been buried before coming back to life. As iTravelJerusalem guide Danny Herman explains, the earth surrounding the cave that served as Christ's burial chamber was later removed and the shrine that was built at the site stood as the most impressive structure in the Jerusalem for many centuries.Check out the video for the full story and stay tuned for more episodes of CITYsights.iTravelJerusalem.com is a new online international travel portal offering all the latest information on things to do, places to eat and places to stay in Jerusalem.
