Landmarks · Judea

Golgotha (Calvary)

What was Golgotha (Calvary)?

Golgotha — “the place of the skull” — is the site just outside Jerusalem’s walls where Jesus was crucified.

TodayTraditionally within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Name meansPlace of the skull

EventThe crucifixion of Jesus

All four Gospels name the place of the crucifixion Golgotha, an Aramaic word meaning “skull”; “Calvary” comes from its Latin translation.

Here, between two criminals, Jesus was nailed to a cross under the charge “King of the Jews,” prayed for his executioners, and gave up his spirit as darkness covered the land.

A new tomb in a garden nearby received his body — and on the third day stood empty. The spot outside the gate became the center of the gospel.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

John 19:17 “Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.” Luke 23:33 “When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.”

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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.