Abrahamic — Christianity

Christianity grew from Judaism in first-century Palestine and spread across the Mediterranean, Europe, Africa, and eventually the entire globe. Its sacred geography encompasses both the lands of Jesus (Holy Land pilgrimages) and sites associated with saints, martyrs, and visions. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, believed to stand over Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, is Christianity's most sacred site. Bethlehem marks the birth, Calvary the crucifixion, and the Mount of Olives the Ascension. Beyond the Levant, sacred sites include Lourdes (site of visions of Mary), Santiago de Compostela (burial of the Apostle James and endpoint of pilgrimage), Canterbury (site of Thomas Becket's murder), and Rome (seat of the Pope and burial of Peter). Christianity encompasses Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant branches, each with distinct sacred geographies and interpretations of scripture.