The church contains, according to traditions dating back to at least the fourth century, the two holiest sites in Christianity: the site where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, at a place known as "Calvary" or "Golgotha" and Jesus's empty tomb, where he was buried and resurrected.

Within the church proper are the last four (or, by some definitions, five) stations of the Via Dolorosa, representing the final episodes of the Passion of Jesus. The church has been a major Christian pilgrimage destination since its creation in the fourth century, as the traditional site of the resurrection of Christ, thus its original Greek name, Church of the Anastasis ('Resurrection').

The present Church of the Holy Sepulchre is primarily a result of earlier eleventh and twelfth century restorations, which incorporated minor traces of the earlier building stages as well as some recent additions and modifications made both within the complex and on the exterior.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre courtyard as seen after entering from Souq al-Dabbagh, the stairs to the left lead to the Saint Helena road. To the right is the Chapel of the Franks (10th station of Via Dolorosa).

circa 330 CE- Present

Constantinian Era (4th Century CE)
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was commissioned by Emperor Constantine I after his mother, Helena, identified the site as the location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 326 CE. Excavations directed by Constantine’s engineers uncovered a rock-cut tomb, believed to be Christ’s burial site, and the remnants of a nearby quarry identified with Golgotha. The church, completed in 335 CE, encompassed both the tomb and the presumed site of the crucifixion, with a grand rotunda (Anastasis) over the tomb and a basilica (Martyrium) connected to an open courtyard. This monumental construction established the site as a major center of Christian pilgrimage and religious activity.

Byzantine Period (4th–7th Century CE)
Under Byzantine rule, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remained a focal point for Christian devotion. It underwent modifications and repairs after periodic damage caused by natural disasters and local conflicts. During the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, additional fortifications and embellishments were added to protect and enhance the sacred site. The Persian invasion of 614 CE and the subsequent sacking of Jerusalem resulted in significant destruction of the church, although the relics associated with Christ’s Passion were preserved and eventually restored by Emperor Heraclius in the early 7th century.

Early Islamic Period (7th–11th Century CE)
Following the Islamic conquest of Jerusalem in 638 CE, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was protected under the Pact of Umar, which granted Christians the right to maintain their holy sites. However, tensions occasionally erupted, culminating in the destruction of the church in 1009 CE by Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. This act of desecration devastated the Christian community, but the church was partially rebuilt with Byzantine assistance following negotiations between Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos and the Fatimids in the mid-11th century.

Crusader Era (11th–13th Century CE)
The arrival of the Crusaders in 1099 marked a significant turning point in the history of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Under their control, the church underwent extensive reconstruction and expansion to reflect Western architectural styles, consolidating the site into a unified structure. The Crusaders incorporated the rotunda, Golgotha, and other chapels under a single roof, creating the layout that largely survives today. They also established the church as the center of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Despite these renovations, the church faced ongoing challenges, including intermittent Muslim recapture of the city.

Mamluk and Ottoman Periods (13th–19th Century CE)
During the Mamluk and Ottoman eras, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre experienced periods of neglect, restoration, and conflict among various Christian denominations vying for control of its chapels and altars. The Status Quo arrangement, established in the 18th century under Ottoman rule, formalized the division of responsibilities among the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Apostolic churches, among others. Repairs during this period included partial restoration of the dome and structural reinforcements after earthquakes.

Modern Period (19th Century–Present)
In the modern era, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has undergone significant restorations to address structural issues and preserve its historical features. Renovations in the 20th century, particularly after a 1927 earthquake, stabilized the building, while the 2016 restoration of the Edicule over Christ’s tomb renewed interest in its architectural and religious significance. Despite occasional tensions among the custodial communities, the church remains a central symbol of Christian faith and a focal point for scholarly study of early Christian history and architecture.

circa 330 CE- Present

The architecture of the Holy Sepulcher is a composite of various historical periods, each contributing distinct elements to its complex design. Originally constructed in the 4th century CE under Emperor Constantine I, the church combined a basilica (the Martyrium) with an open atrium leading to a rotunda (the Anastasis), which encased the Edicule, the shrine over Christ’s tomb. This layout reflected both Roman imperial architectural norms and the theological focus on resurrection and redemption. Byzantine restorations, particularly after the Persian sack of 614 CE, added decorative elements and structural reinforcements, while maintaining the essential early Christian layout. During the Crusader era in the 12th century, the church was extensively rebuilt and expanded, with the integration of Romanesque elements, including barrel vaults, a bell tower, and an ambulatory around the rotunda to facilitate pilgrim movement. The Crusaders also reoriented the church’s interior spaces to align with Western liturgical practices, creating a unified structure that encompassed the sites of Golgotha and the tomb under a single roof. Subsequent periods, including the Mamluk and Ottoman eras, saw the addition of chapels and altars tailored to the traditions of various Christian denominations, reflecting the complex Status Quo arrangement formalized in 1852. Modern restorations, such as the stabilization of the dome and the 2016–2017 reinforcement of the Edicule, have focused on preserving the church’s historical integrity while addressing structural concerns. The result is an architectural palimpsest that embodies nearly two millennia of religious, cultural, and political history, making it one of the most intricate and symbolically significant structures in the Christian world.