Holy Land: The Tomb of Christ soon to be restored
Edicule housing the tomb of Christ.
The Custody of the Holy Land announced on March 23, 2016, that the tomb of Christ, in the heart of the basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, is soon to be restored. The several-meter high marble aedicule has been supported by a metal structure for the last ten years. According to Direct Matin on March 23, “without this apparatus, the marble blocks would break apart, largely because of the daily flow of thousands of tourists and pilgrims.” The monument that stands under the church’s dome will therefore be taken down and then rebuilt identically. Only the pieces that are broken or too fragile will be replaced.
The work began after the Orthodox Easter (May 1st) and should last at least 8 months. The shrine will nonetheless remain open for the cult and for the devotions of the faithful.
(sources: apic/custodia/directmatin – DICI no.335 May 6, 2016)
