Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Adamnan's De Locis Sanctis (Author: Adamnan of Iona)
Chapter/toc 6
CONCERNING A BASILICA WHICH CONSTANTINE
ERECTED NEAR THE CHURCH MENTIONED ABOVE, IN THE
PLACE WHERE THE CROSS OF THE LORD WAS FOUND
BURIED UNDER DEBRIS, WHEN AFTER A LONG LAPSE OF
TIME THE GROUND WAS DUG UP
35]
On the eastern side, adjoining this church in the place of Calvary
(which is built of stone in quadrangular shape) there is the neighbouring
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basilica, constructed with great elegance by king Constantine. It is
called the Martyrium, and is said to be built in the spot where, after the
lapse of two hundred and thirty-three years, by the favour of the Lord
himself the cross of the Lord, with the crosses of the two thieves, was
5]
found hidden beneath the earth. Then, between these two churches,
comes the celebrated place where the patriarch Abraham set up an
altar, placing upon it a heap of brushwood, and seized the unsheathed
sword that he might sacrifice his son. There is a fairly large wooden
table there now on which alms are offered by the people for the poor.
10]
In answer to my careful inquiry the holy Arculf added the following
item, saying: Between Anastasis (that is the round church often mentioned
above) and the basilica of Constantine, there is an open court
which stretches as far as the church of Golgotha, and in this court night
and day there are always lamps burning.