Tomb of the Virgin Mary

A brief history

This underground sanctuary in the Kidron Valley encloses a rock-cut tomb venerated as Mary’s burial place. Its long history includes Crusader alterations and continuing Eastern Christian devotion. The association with Mary’s burial belongs to church tradition; the New Testament does not describe her death or tomb.

An interesting detail

A broad staircase descends into the cross-shaped church. The shrine around the tomb has separate entrances that allow pilgrims to pass through it.