Chapel of Saint Helena

Holy Land Unearthed

The Chapel of Saint Helena is a beautiful and historic place of worship located in Jerusalem, Israel. This chapel is dedicated to Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who is credited with discovering the True Cross of Jesus Christ in the fourth century.


Church of the Holy Sepulcher
In This Photo: The Lower Level of the Chapel Where According to Tradition, Helena Found the True Cross.

So the Chapel of Saint Helena is located within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most significant and sacred sites in all of Christianity. This church is believed to be built on the site where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected, making it a place of immense importance for Christians worldwide.

Christian Quarter Ultimate Guide
Christian Quarter Ultimate Guide - Church of the Holy Sepulcher

One of the most striking features of the Chapel is the altar, believed to be located directly above the spot where Saint Helena discovered the True Cross. This altar is adorned with beautiful decorations and is a place of great significance for Christians.

Chapel of Saint Helena And the True Cross

Furthermore, it is believed to be built where Saint Helena discovered the True Cross of Jesus. Helena was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who converted to Christianity and made it the Roman Empire’s official religion. She’s, in a way, the first pilgrim to the Holy Land!


In This Photo: The Upper Level of the Chapel

According to legend, Saint Helena traveled to Jerusalem and discovered the True Cross while on a pilgrimage. This event is considered a significant moment in Christian history, and the Chapel of Saint Helena is built on the site where it is believed to have occurred.

Chapel of Adam
Church-of-the-Holy-Seplchure-Chapel-of-Adam-

So legend has it that the site of the crucifixion had been covered by the Romans, who had built a temple to Venus over it. Helena ordered the temple to be demolished and the ground beneath it to be excavated. During the excavation, three crosses were found buried in the ground, along with the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Latin).

Overall, the Chapel of Saint Helena is significant because of its association with the discovery of the True Cross, its location within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and its beauty and historical significance as a place of worship.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Shiloh Excavations In The City Of David

RELATED POSTS

Church of Mary Magdalene

The Church of Mary Magdalene is a church located on the Mount of Olives, near the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. Click here for more!

Herzl Museum

Herzl Museum is a memorial to Benjamin Theodor Herzl, the founder of the Zionist movement and the visionary of the State of Israel.

Park HaTachana

Park HaTachana, in Tel Aviv, is a unique and charming open-air shopping and entertainment complex that has become a popular destination.

Dominus Flevit Church

Dominus Flevit is a church on the Mt. of Olives. According to Luke, it's there where Jesus weeps, lamenting for the destruction of Jerusalem.

Qumran National Park

In this post, we embark on a journey to explore the wonders of Qumran National Park and the fascinating tale of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Mea Shearim

Mea Shearim is one of the oldest Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem. Home today to the ultra-orthodox Haredim Jews, let's visit them!

Mary’s Well

Mary's Well is reputed to be located at the site where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, mother of Jesus according to Christian Orthodox.

Nahal Me’arot Nature Reserve

The Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve protects a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Human Evolution in northern Israel’s Carmel mountains.

Robinson’s Arch

Robinson's Arch, dated to the 2nd Temple Period, is a remarkable archaeological remnant! A testament to ancient engineering prowess

Gethsemane

Gethsemane is a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. According to the Gospels, Jesus underwent the Agony in the garden.

Need help?