Holy Sepulchre restoration: “Energy released” when tomb opened, says NTUA professor

Professor Antonia Moropoulou of the National Technical University of Athens spoke about the historic restoration of the Holy Sepulchre, located inside the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.

The landmark project began in June 2016 and was completed in March 2017, following an invitation from Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and a joint decision by the three Christian communities that serve as custodians of the site.

The restoration drew global attention, marking the first time such extensive scientific work had been undertaken on the monument. For the first time, scientists — including a Greek team — lifted the marble slab covering the tomb, revealing the surface believed to have held the body of Jesus Christ after the Crucifixion.

In 2018, Europe recognised the project as a model for cultural heritage restoration.

“We felt energy being released”

“The Holy Sepulchre is not only a monument of worship, but also of research and innovation,” Moropoulou said during an event hosted by the Municipality of Paleo Faliro.

She explained that the tomb is enclosed within the Holy Edicule, located inside the Church of the Resurrection — one of Christianity’s holiest sites.

“Seventeen centuries ago, Constantine the Great uncovered the Holy Sepulchre while excavating the Temple of Hadrian and constructed the shrine in an octagonal form. We restored it in the colours of the Resurrection,” she said.

“The study was carried out by an interdisciplinary team from the Polytechnic University, and we worked with absolute precision.”

Recalling the moment the tomb was opened, she added:“When we opened the Holy Sepulchre, my colleagues and I felt an energy being released. The findings within the masonry fully preserved their historical authenticity.”

She noted that while the restoration has been completed, research on the monument continues.

Delivered on budget with global support

The project aimed to ensure structural stability and long-term sustainability while preserving the monument’s spiritual and historical value, all without interrupting the constant flow of pilgrims.

Moropoulou highlighted the strict financial discipline behind the work:“The total budget was €3.45 million and was adhered to exactly — not a single euro over. Full transparency was maintained through the websites of the three Christian communities.”

This transparency helped secure major funding from the World Monuments Fund, along with contributions from donors and Christian communities worldwide.

According to Moropoulou, visitor numbers to the Holy Land rose dramatically following the restoration — from around 12 million annually to as many as 50 million.

The event was attended by several officials, including Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, MP Sofia Voultepsi, and representatives of local government and academia.

WT.24

Greek City Times (Holy Sepulchre restoration: “Energy released” when tomb opened, says NTUA professor)