Tomb of the Virgin Mary (Jerusalem)

City:

Jerusalem

State, Province, Region, or District:

Jerusalem District

Country:

Israel

Overview

The Tomb of the Virgin Mary (aka Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary or Church of the Assumption) is a Christian church built around an ancient Judean rock-cut tomb in the Kidron Valley – at the foot of Mount of Olives, in East Jerusalem. The New Testament is silent regarding the death and burial of Mary, the mother of Jesus, but Christian tradition places her tomb at this site.

The room containing the Tomb of Mary is actually the crypt of a church that no longer exists. The entire room is dimly lit, and the walls are blackened with centuries of candle smoke, giving the place an air of great antiquity. Icons adorn the space, and numerous hanging oil lamps cast a soft glow over the tomb.

The Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant traditions concur that Mary died of natural causes at her residence on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, the site of the present-day Dormition Abbey. During that period, Mount Zion had no cemeteries, so she was interred in a tomb located in the Kidron Valley, known today as the Tomb of the Virgin Mary. Additionally, the Orthodox and Catholic churches maintain that Mary's body was assumed (taken) into heaven - both in spirit and body - three days post-mortem, and that her tomb was discovered to be empty. Protestants believe the body remained in the tomb.

The present-day 12th-century Church of the Assumption, features a Crusader-era stone staircase descending into a rocky crypt. The underground complex houses chapels (altars) dedicated to Mary’s parents (Saint Anne and Saint Joachim) and her husband (Saint Joseph).

Alternate Names

Tomb of the Virgin Mary; Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary; Church of the Assumption; Shrine of Our Lady of Josaphat (or Joshaphat)

Geography & Location

The Tomb of the Virgin Mary is located just north of the Garden of Gethsemane in the Kidron Valley.

Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information

Historical Timeline

Architecture

Located in the Kidron Valley at the foot of the Mount of Olives, the Tomb of the Virgin Mary features a subterranean Crusader-era Gothic church built around a 1st-century rock-cut burial chamber. Visitors descend a wide, 48-step staircase to enter the dimly lit crypt, which resembles the layout of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Biblical & Historical References

Biblical References

Spiritual Lessons and Application

Mary was a deeply devoted woman to be honored, but nowhere in Scripture is she worshiped, nor are we commanded to worship or pray to her.

Etymology

The Tomb of the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem is often referred to as the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary or the Church of the Assumption. The etymological roots and linguistic origins of the names associated with this sacred site reflect the diverse religious and cultural traditions that revere it:

Planning a Visit

Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.