Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross and died for the redemption of human beings. The Bible records that Jesus was crucified in Golgotha. Golgotha is a skull-shaped hill in ancient Jerusalem, a city in Israel. Since Jesus was crucified many years ago, what many believers want to understand is, can you visit where Jesus was crucified?
You can visit where Jesus was crucified, though it has been modified from what it looked like when Jesus was crucified. There are two sites that people go to see when visiting where Jesus was crucified, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Gordon’s Calvary.
Where is the real Golgotha located? Can you visit Golgotha alone? Do you need to book in advance to visit Golgotha? What is the best way to see Golgotha? What are the best days to visit Golgotha? What is the best time to visit Golgotha? Where can you stay while visiting Golgotha? Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and more.
Where is the real Golgotha located?
Golgotha is said to be located where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built by the Roman empress, Saint Helena. This is because she found the true cross at that place and believes that is where Jesus was crucified. However, scholars have questioned this because the Church is built inside Jerusalem walls, while Jesus may have been crucified outside Jerusalem walls. They argue that according to Matthew 27:31 and Mark 15:20, the Bible implies that Jesus was taken far away to Golgotha. Scholars believe that Golgotha is outside the walls of the old City of Jerusalem.
Also, another site that is said to be where Jesus was crucified is Gordon’s Calvary. It is a hill that looks like a skull and is in the Garden Tomb along the roads. Romans used to crucify people along the road; hence since Gordin’s Calvary is along the road of Damascus gate, many people believe that this is the site of the real Golgotha. It also has the Tomb of Jesus. However, there is no evidence that this is the true Tomb. Therefore, from the 19th Century, the exact location of Golgotha is still disputed.
Can you visit Golgotha alone?
Many people visit Golgotha alone to pray and see where Jesus was crucified. At both sites of Golgotha, there are tour guides who offer to visit tours and explain every theology about the sites to people who go to these sites. If you go there alone but don’t want to get lost, you can join the tour guides and learn about these places with other people.
You can choose to go alone and have a good experience. It does not matter whether you are alone or with people since the involvement is still the same. Golgotha is a good place with a good view alone or with people.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Golgotha?
It is suitable to book in advance to visit Golgotha so that you can have a better experience. Well, since the two sites of Golgotha are free to visit, you only book tour guides so that they can show you around the place as they explain everything you need to know about these sites.
You also need to book an accommodation place before the visit before they are all booked. Jerusalem is one of the cities that people like to visit. The hotels may be fully booked when you visit; hence it is best to book early to secure your spot.
What is the best way to see Golgotha?
Of the two sites of Golgotha, many people say that Gordon’s Calvary is the best site to see Golgotha. This is because Gordon’s Calvary is at a hill in the North Gate of Damascus. It is along the road and is in an open place. There is a stone that looks like a skull. Gordon’s Calvary is in the Garden of Tombs; hence the Tomb of Jesus is there. Outside the Tomb is a big rock that looks like the door of the Tomb.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is also a good site. It is a good place to pray since it is enclosed. The Church has a Holy Stone called the “Stone of anointing,” which is said to be the stone where Jesus’ body lay before he was buried in his Tomb. It has a Calvary, which has two parts (the Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox). The Calvary is said to be the place where Jesus was crucified. There is a chapel called Aedicule. The Chapel is very special because this is where the Holy Sepulchre is. The Holy Sepulchre is the Tomb where Jesus was buried. There is always a big queue of people at this place; hence to ensure that people don’t waste a lot of time queuing, there is a guard that allows a person to enter the Tomb for only twenty seconds.
What are the best days to visit Golgotha?
Golgotha is open all 365 days of the year. However, it is not open throughout the day. The time at which it is opened differs according to the day. Also, the time may vary on Holidays like Christmas day. To plan the best day to visit Golgotha, make sure you check the visiting schedule and compare the hours.
The Best time to visit Golgotha is during the summertime because it is open for long hours. However, one needs to note that during the summer, Golgotha is predicted to have the most visitors; hence the queues to enter the significant places may be long. Also, the Hostels near Golgotha are always fully booked.
During the winter, many people don’t go to Golgotha; hence, the queue to enter the place is always short. However, the opening hours are short.
What is the best time to visit Golgotha?
Golgotha has very favorable opening hours for visitors. The opening hours vary according to different days; hence one has to plan their visit according to the hours of the day they want to visit.
From April to August, Golgotha is open from 5 AM to 9 PM. In September and October, the place opens at the same time, 5 AM but closes an hour earlier, at 8 PM. Therefore, those visiting during these months should plan their visit according to these hours.
From the beginning of November till the end of March, the opening hours are shorter because the visitors are said to be in small numbers. The place is open from 4 AM to 7 PM.
However, these hours do not include Sundays. On Sunday, the place opens an hour late and closes an hour early. Also, there may be a change on certain days of the Holiday; hence it is advisable to check the schedule of Golgotha before planning your visiting hours.
Where can you stay while visiting Golgotha?
When visiting Golgotha, you can stay at hotels that are near the place. Below are a few of the Hotels that people stay in when on a trip to Golgotha.
Jerusalem Hotel: it is the most convenient place to stay while visiting Golgotha. It is only 0.1 miles from Golgotha and located in East Jerusalem, Antar Bin Shadad Street4, Jerusalem 91191, Israel. It is suitable to book this hotel in advance to secure your room.
National Hotel Jerusalem: It is close to the Damascus gate where Gordon’s Calvary, one of the sites of Golgotha, is located. It is at Al Zahra Street 4 | East Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9762900, Israel.
Notre Dame Guest House: It is 0.4 miles from Golgotha. It is along 3 Paratroopers Rd, Jerusalem 91204, Israel.
There are many other hotels that you can stay in while visiting Golgotha. Book the hotel in advance so that you don’t lack a room since they are mostly fully booked.
References
A Visitors Guide to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Where Is Golgotha, Where Jesus Was Crucified?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
