Where Was Jesus Crucified?

The Place Called Golgotha

The Bible tells us that Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha, which means "the place of the skull."

“And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,”
— Matthew 27:33 (KJV)

“And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.”
— Mark 15:22 (KJV)

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.”
— Luke 23:33 (KJV)

“Calvary” is the Latin translation of “Golgotha.” Both words mean skull.

Outside the City Walls

Jesus was crucified outside the city gates, in keeping with both Roman custom and Jewish law, and fulfilling biblical prophecy.

“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.”
— Hebrews 13:12 (KJV)

“And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.”
— John 19:17 (KJV)

“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads.”
— Matthew 27:39 (KJV)

“Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.”
— Psalm 69:20 (KJV)

Near a Garden and a Tomb

The Gospel of John gives an important clue that Golgotha was near a garden that had a new tomb.

“Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.”
— John 19:41 (KJV)

This is key for those who support the Garden Tomb site. It matches the Bible’s description of a place of death and burial being side by side.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is the traditional location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Built in the 4th century, it is held in high regard by several Christian traditions.

Though it lies within city walls today, historical studies suggest that area was outside the city during the time of Christ.

“And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death…”
— Isaiah 53:9 (KJV)

This verse is seen as fulfilled by Jesus being crucified with criminals but buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man (Matthew 27:57–60).

The Garden Tomb Location

Another suggested location is the Garden Tomb, north of the Damascus Gate. Some believe this spot better matches the biblical description of a skull-shaped hill and nearby garden tomb.

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
— Matthew 28:6 (KJV)

While not confirmed archaeologically, the Garden Tomb is a peaceful, simple place that helps many visualize the Resurrection story.

Comparison of the Two Main Sites

Site	Key Feature	Pros	Cons
Church of the Holy Sepulchre	Ancient tradition; Constantinian church	Historical church, wide religious support	Now inside city walls, crowded location
Garden Tomb	Skull-shaped hill; quiet garden	Matches biblical descriptions, peaceful setting	Lacks strong archaeological evidence

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Where Jesus died matters because of what it fulfilled. Many Old Testament prophecies pointed to His crucifixion.

“They pierced my hands and my feet.”
— Psalm 22:16 (KJV)

“They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
— Psalm 22:18 (KJV)

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…”
— Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

“He made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.”
— Isaiah 53:9 (KJV)

“He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”
— Psalm 34:20 (KJV)

“But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs.”
— John 19:33 (KJV)

Why the Location Matters

Knowing where Jesus was crucified reminds us that our faith is based in real history and fulfilled prophecy. But the place is not the most important thing. The most important truth is: