Location
Overview
Golgotha — rendered "Calvary" from the Latin — is the place where Jesus Christ was crucified, just outside the city wall of Jerusalem. Its Aramaic name means "the place of a skull."
The place of the crucifixion
"And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, they crucified him" (Matthew 27:33–35; John 19:17–18). There he was lifted up between two thieves, the sign over his head reading "Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews."
Outside the gate
Golgotha lay "nigh to the city" (John 19:20), beside a road — a public place of execution. Hebrews draws out its meaning: "Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate" (Hebrews 13:12).
The garden tomb nearby
"In the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre" (John 19:41), where Jesus was buried and from which he rose — so the place of death became the place of resurrection.
Events Here
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha
Scripture References
4 versesMatthew1 verse
Matthew 27:33
And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
Mark1 verse
Mark 15:22
And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
Luke1 verse
Luke 23:33
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. Calvary: or, The place of a skull
John1 verse
John 19:17
And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
Archaeology & History
The traditional site of Golgotha and the adjacent tomb lies beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, venerated since the 4th century and shown by excavation to have been a disused quarry with rock-cut tombs outside the first-century wall — consistent with the Gospel description. A second site, the "Garden Tomb," is favoured by some; the exact spot is debated, but the historical event is firmly anchored in Jerusalem.
Frequently asked about Golgotha (Calvary)
Where is Golgotha (Calvary) today?
Today, Golgotha (Calvary) corresponds to Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.
What does the name Golgotha (Calvary) mean?
The name Golgotha (Calvary) means “Place of a skull (Latin: Calvary)”.
What happened at Golgotha (Calvary) in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Golgotha (Calvary) include jesus is crucified at golgotha.
Where is Golgotha (Calvary) first mentioned in the Bible?
Golgotha (Calvary) is first mentioned in Matthew 27:33.
How often is Golgotha (Calvary) mentioned in the Bible?
Golgotha (Calvary) is mentioned in 4 verses across 4 books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
What does Golgotha mean?
It is Aramaic for "the place of a skull." "Calvary" is the same meaning via the Latin word for skull. It was the site just outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified.
Where is Golgotha today?
The traditional location is within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem; the alternative "Garden Tomb" site is also shown to pilgrims. The precise spot is debated.