According to the Gospels, following Jesus’ death, he was buried in a tomb near the hill of crucifixion. The tomb belonged to Joseph of Arimathea, yet he buried him in the grave he originally designated for himself.  A local tradition places his own burial in a different tomb, near the Tomb of Jesus. The tomb is typical to the first century CE and has five small burial chambers (Kokhim), of which two are accessible today.

Visiting the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea

The traditional tomb of Joseph of Arimathea is accessed from a chapel behind the Tomb of Jesus at the western end of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is accessible to all, but there is no sign directing it.

A visit to these tombs can integrated into a day tour of Jeruslaem.