Just in time for Easter, one of Christianity’s holiest sites has been restored to its former glory. The tomb that Christians believe was where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected — officially known as the Holy Edicule — has undergone a year-long renovation.
Gone is the cage-like structure that was put in place to prop up the walls 70 years ago. And the black soot that had accumulated on the stone structure from years of visitors’ candles has been scrubbed clean. Now the warm red marble welcomes worshippers.
The holy site sits inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem — one of the world’s oldest churches. The shrine was in desperate need of attention after years of exposure to water, humidity and both candle smoke and wax. The total cost of the renovation was $3.7 million.