Deep beneath the Coptic Church of St. Helena in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre complex lies one of the Jerusalem’s Old City best hidden gems. This subterranean chamber, reached by a set of well-worn steps, connects visitors to multiple layers of Jerusalem’s past.

History of the Cistern

Known as “Saint Helena’s Cistern” it was never properly studied, and is one of two adjacent underground halls, the other still filled with debris to its top. Its location is particularly significant, as it sits at one of the lowest accessible points within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre complex. Originally quarried into the bedrock, the chamber likely began as part of an ancient stone quarry before being converted into a water storage system.

The chamber is impressive in size, and while it is no longer maintained, during the rainy season, it still collects a remarkable volume of water. The cistern’s walls show water marks from centuries of use, especially from the middle of the ceiling, where a large round shaft can be spotted. The archaeological and historical context suggests that the cistern was first used during Constantine’s church on the site and was probably gone out of use only in the early 20^th century.

Touring Saint Helena’s Cistern

A rare moment in Saint Helane’s Cistern when its well lit and holding plenty of water in the winter of 2021.

Unlike the church’s other cisterns, this one is the only one accessible to visitors, though access is controlled by the Coptic Church. The descent into the cistern is an atmospheric journey – the low ceiling and narrow stone steps lead down into a barely lit space. The acoustics change as well, with sounds echoing off the ancient stone walls. Many visitors like documenting themselves chanting in this enchanting subterranean  space. The cistern is accessed from the Coptic Saint Helena’s chapel, which also gave it its name. the chapel is next to the 9^th station of the Via Dolorosa, but within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s complex. The Coptic monks charge a humble entry fee.