The exact location, as described in the Gospel of John, has been revealed by architects working at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Recent excavations at Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre have uncovered evidence potentially validating the biblical account of Jesus’ burial site. Architects identified structural features matching the Gospel of John’s description: “a garden…and a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid.” Archaeobotanical analysis revealed ancient olive trees and grapevines dating to the pre-Christian era, though radiocarbon confirmation remains pending.
Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla of Sapienza University told The Times of Israel: “At the time of Jesus, the area was not part of the city yet,” referencing Emperor Hadrian’s later 2nd-century construction. The findings support Christian tradition that the church marks Golgotha (Calvary) and the adjacent tomb, now housed in a 19th-century aedicule. The research follows 2019 renovations approved by three custodial religious groups.
While the discoveries align with scriptural accounts, scholars emphasize the need for further verification. The ongoing project, active since 2022, represents the first major archaeological work at the contested holy site in decades.