The traditional site believed to be where Jesus was crucified is a complex and somewhat controversial topic. Here's a breakdown of the situation:
* The Traditional Site: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Inside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the most widely accepted location for Calvary (Golgotha, the "place of the skull") and Jesus's tomb. This location has been venerated since the 4th century AD, with the Roman Emperor Constantine building the first church on the site.
* Arguments for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre:
* Historical Continuity: There's a continuous tradition linking this site to the crucifixion and burial dating back to the early centuries of Christianity.
* Archaeological Evidence: Excavations have revealed evidence of a quarry (suggesting it was outside the city walls during Jesus's time) and tombs from the first century.
* Proximity to Other Holy Sites: It's located near other sites associated with the Passion of Christ.
* The Garden Tomb: In the 19th century, a Protestant scholar proposed an alternative site known as the Garden Tomb, located just outside the present-day walls of Jerusalem.
* Arguments for the Garden Tomb:
* Appearance: Its advocates argue that it better fits the biblical descriptions of a garden-like setting and a tomb cut into the rock.
* Atmosphere: It offers a more peaceful and less crowded atmosphere for contemplation.
* Arguments Against the Garden Tomb:
* Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological evidence suggests that the tomb dates to the Iron Age, predating the time of Jesus.
* Lack of Historical Tradition: It lacks the centuries-long tradition of veneration associated with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
* Conclusion:
* While the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the traditional site, the exact location of Calvary is not definitively known.
* Both sites offer opportunities for reflection and prayer. The choice of which site to visit or believe in often comes down to personal preference and interpretation of historical and biblical evidence.
So, to directly answer your question:
* The hill is still there, in the sense that the bedrock is there. However, over the centuries, the area has been built upon, altered, and the landscape has changed.
* The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is built around what is believed to be the location of Golgotha.
* The Garden Tomb is a proposed alternative site.
It's worth noting that, regardless of the exact physical location, the significance of the event remains central to Christian faith.