Israel is home to some of the most significant Christian religious landmarks, with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre regarded as the most sacred among them. Believed to house the tomb of Jesus Christ, the site has long suffered from structural issues due to centuries of water damage. A major restoration project began in October 2016, marking a historic moment when a marble slab was lifted for the first time in centuries, leading to a discovery that had never been seen before.

Originally commissioned in 326 CE by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, the church was constructed on a site traditionally recognized as the location of Christ’s death and resurrection. After a partial collapse of its bell tower in 1545, the Franciscan friars undertook repairs. A decade later, in 1555, they sealed the entrance to the tomb to preserve its sanctity.

Over the centuries, tensions among different religious custodians over responsibilities and decision-making delayed progress on renovations. In 1947, during British rule, an iron framework was added to stabilize the Ottoman-era edicule and prevent its collapse.

It wasn’t until nearly 70 years later that substantial preservation work resumed. The 2016 restoration involved 60 hours of continuous labor inside the church, including the careful removal and replacement of heavy stone elements. The use of modern techniques like optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) helped researchers determine the last time certain materials had been exposed to light.

Archaeological investigations over the decades uncovered numerous artifacts, including crucifixion nails (found in 1968 near Jerusalem and again in Italy in 2018), fragments of ancient crosses, pottery, and coins from various periods. These findings offered a glimpse into the spiritual, social, and economic activity that once surrounded the holy site.

Research also suggested that the location had previously served as a site of religious importance for other faiths, and that the church’s construction may have been part of a broader effort to assert Christian dominance in the area.

Every layer uncovered in the excavation offered insight into the evolution of the site—from a place of imperial influence to a deeply symbolic spiritual center. The discoveries added to the understanding of how sacred spaces were shaped by both devotion and political power.

Ultimately, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains not only a place of pilgrimage but also a testament to the layers of history embedded within its walls—layers that continue to inspire both faith and scholarly curiosity.