The Prison of Christ Sites in Jerusalem
Several traditions relate to the existence of a place where Jesus was imprisoned between his interrogation, trial, and execution. Once captured by the priests at the Garden of Gethsemane, they took him to the High Priest Caiaphas, where he and the Sanhedrin interrogated him. The following day, after further interrogation, they passed him to the Roman governor for trial at the city’s Praetorium. Over the centuries, five traditions developed, each claiming a different location for the prison of Christ:
1. Under Peturs in Gallicentu church
On the eastern slopes of Mount Zion is the church of Petrus in Gallicentu. By Catholic tradition, it is the location of Caiaphas’ mansion and where he interrogated Jesus, while Peter denied knowing him (Mat. 26:69-75). The site contains features of a first-century mansion and a cistern on the lowest level. Crosses engraved in the mouth of the cistern led the Catholic church to suggest this is where Caiaphas detained Jesus overnight and then handed him to the Romans.
2. Under Caiaphas Mansion on Mount Zion
The Armenian Christians believe the estate of Caiaphas was on the top of Mount Zion, and for decades, they have been working on completing a big church at the site. Archaeological excavations carried out in the 1970s provided archaeological support to the claim of a large estate at this property 2,000 years ago. Nevertheless, the Armenians point to a small room in a medieval chapel near the uncompleted church as the site of Jesus’ imprisonment.
3. At the Church of the Archangels Site
The Armenians point to another prison where Jesus was held when brought to the house of Annas, the Uncle of Caiaphas. This event is attested only in the Gospel of John (John 18:13-23). Today, the cell is within a medieval-era Church of the Archangels.
4. Under the Greek Orthodox Praetorium Site
A 4th tradition for the prison of Jesus is located along the “Stations of the Cross” (Via Dolorosa), between the 2nd and the 3rd stations. The Greek Orthodox-owned complex is called The Holy Monastery of the Praetorium. A set of caves under the building is presented to pilgrims as a local detention facility. The smallest cave is said to be where Jesus was imprisoned. A flagstone with two holes suggests he was shackled in his legs here while seated over the stone.
5. Inside the Holy Sepulchre
A 5th tradition, also maintained by the Greek Orthodox Church, suggests locating a prison of Jesus within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A chapel in the north wing of the church is said to be where Jesus was fettered in his legs while setting his cross. In 2019, the Greek Orthodox church restored the chapel that commemorates the site.
Visiting the Prison of Christ Sites
Peter in Gallicantu church and the Holy Sepulchre are open for visits on daily basis. On the other hand the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Praetorium is not open on regular basis. The Church of Archangles is within a private area in the Armenian Quarter and visiting it requires a permission. The Armenian Caiaphas Church is closed to the public, but a speciat entry permit can be arranged.
A visit to any of these sites can be inteegrate into a day tour of Jerusalem.
