The Garden Tomb is an alternate site to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. While the claims of this site are tenuous, at best, it has become one of the pilgrimage destinations for Protestants who visit Jerusalem. The site was discovered in the Nineteenth Century. The two defining features of this location were the presence of a skull-like set of caves adjacent to the garden as well as a tomb that dates back to before the crucifixion. We know that the tomb existed prior to the crucifixion and it was not uncommon that old tombs were reused. So the earlier dating of the tomb is not as relevant as other factors regarding the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of this location.
In the mid-1800s, this site was identified as a potential alternative to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, based on conflicting evidence placing it at its proper location inside the city walls. This site was chosen based on the fact that it was outside the existing city walls (Jesus was crucified just outside the city walls of Jerusalem) and that the crucifixion happened at a place called Golgotha. This term loosely translates as skull hill. The presence of features in the hillside that resembled a skull led religious scholars to believe this might be the site of the crucifixion. The site was purchased, but the land above was not. That land was later purchased and developed, causing the caves below to partially collapse. As you can see in this photo, it no longer resembles a skull.
There were a couple of other features that have been pointed out to solidify the case that this could be Golgotha. We know that a wealthy man donated his own tomb to be used for Christ's burial. Within these gardens, an ancient wine press was discovered. It is an expensive press that would have been owned by a wealthy family. The press is depicted above. The other key feature was a cave tomb located nearby, on the same piece of property. This cave would match the description given in the biblical account of being able to see the tomb was empty from a direct angle looking in.
Volunteers from around the world lead visitors on a tour of the garden. They volunteer for months at a time. The garden is large, with a layout that accommodates groups that want to hold services. We were traveling with a secular group, so we did not have a sermon or any type of actual service. The volunteer guide took us to an area adjacent to the hill face and talked to us about the history and development of this attraction. They understand that the claim is specious and view this location as a place for worship and reflection, nonetheless. The account of Golgatha is on a stone facing the hill.
In terms of disclosure, I am a Protestant. I am also a history buff. I tend to place greater trust in claims that have ancient roots. As far as the tomb of Jesus, it is probably located at or around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre within the walls of Jerusalem. That church is within the walls of Jerusalem that were built in the second century. There is a third wall that would not have been there at the time of the crucifixion, placing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre outside the walls of Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion. Furthermore, the history of that location dates back to around the fourth century, possibly further. That is the lineage of the location that we are able to prove.
As a Protestant, I gained a great appreciation of Catholic tradition on my trip to Israel. The preservation of revered places in the Holy Land creates a link to our past that helped me appreciate the stories I have read in the Bible. To walk those roads and see structures that date back to that time or close to it brings the stories alive. The Garden Tomb was a lovely place for prayer and reflection. But I personally don't believe it has anything to do with the story of Golgotha.
The greatest take away from the visit to the Garden Tomb is the way our volunteer ended our tour. He said "whether you believe this is the place where Jesus was laid to rest, or not, is irrelevant. The most important thing to remember is the words of Matthew 28:6. He is not here, for He is risen!"
From the website (www.gardentomb.com/visiting):
There is no entrance fee. The Garden and its ministry are supported by the voluntary gifts of visitors.
The Garden is open for tours and worship services every Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30. Because the Garden is often busy, groups must book their visit in advance. This is usually done by the local tour company, or by the group's licensed guide.
Be sure to check out my other experiences in the Holy Land!
A Christian Guide to Israel
Hotels
Cinema Hotel Tel Aviv, Israel
Ron Beach Hotel, Tiberias, Israel
Prima Park Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel
Attractions
Caesarea National Park Caesarea, Israel
Mount Precipice Mount Kedimum, Israel
Sea of Galilee Boat Ride Tiberias, Israel
Yigal Alon Museum (Jesus Boat) Ginosar, Israel
Capernaum, Israel
St. Peter’s Restaurant Kinneret, Israel
Caesarea Phillipi Banias, Israel
Gadot Lookout and Memorial Golan Heights, Israel
Jordan River Baptismal Site Yardenit, Israel
Beit She’an National Park Beit She’an, Israel
Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
Garden Tomb, Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall Tunnels, Jerusalem, Israel
Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem, Israel
Bethlehem New Store Gift Shop
Pool of Bethesda, Jerusalem, Israel
Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel
Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, Israel
House of Caiaphas the High Priest, Jerusalem, Israel
The Upper Room, Jerusalem, Israel
Tomb of King David, Jerusalem, Israel
Masada National Park, Masada, Israel
The Dead Sea, Masada, Israel
Churches
Discalced Carmelite Monastery Muhraqa, Israel
Basilica of the Annunciation Nazareth, Israel
St. Peter’s Church Capernaum, Israel
Church of the Multiplication Tabgha, Israel
Church of the Beatitudes Tabgha, Israel
Church of All Nations Jerusalem, Israel
Church of Saint Anne, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank
These photos are my own. They may be reproduced with permission.