Where was Jesus crucified?

TL;DR:

Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, “the place of the skull,” outside Jerusalem, though the exact location is unknown today. What truly matters is that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, conquering sin and death for all who believe.

what does the bible say?

The Bible names the place of Jesus’ crucifixion as Golgotha, “the place of the skull,” (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22; Luke 23:33; John 19:17), located outside Jerusalem and visible from a distance. Scripture indicates Golgotha was a public place where many could witness the event (John 19:20; Mark 15:29, 40). Today, the exact location of Golgotha is unknown due to centuries of destruction, rebuilding, and changing control over Jerusalem. Two main sites are proposed—the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Gordon’s Calvary—each with historical debates and uncertainties. While the precise spot remains uncertain, the true significance lies in what happened there: Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, which brought victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3–4; John 11:25–26).

from the old testament

Where Jesus was crucified is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

All four Gospels identify the place where Jesus was executed as Golgotha, meaning "the place of the skull" (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22; Luke 23:33; John 19:17).
We don't know exactly where Golgotha was. We do know it was near, or outside of, Jerusalem, as John 19:20 tells us and that it probably was on a hill or up high, as Mark 15:40 says it could be seen from a distance. We also know it wasn't in an out-of-the-way place as Mark 15:29 and Matthew 27:39 say passers-by remarked about the event.

implications for today

To go to Jerusalem and find the location of Golgotha is difficult because Jerusalem has changed so much during the past 2,000 years. In AD 70 it was destroyed by the Romans. Other battles have taken place and different groups of people with varying interests in identifying the location of Jesus' death have held control.

Two current sites lay claim to the historical location. First, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has claimed the traditional site for 1,600 years. However, it is currently inside the city walls—but was it 2,000 years ago? The other nominee is Gordon's Calvary, identified about 150 years ago. Did its structure exist 2,000 years ago, or was it caused by quarrying since then?

No one really knows where exactly Jesus was crucified. As you may expect, there have been books and articles written about it. Here are some helpful articles for research:

http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2010/01/11/Golgotha-A-Reconsideration-of-the-Evidence-for-the-Sites-of-Jesuse28099-Crucifixion-and-Burial.aspx#Article

https://biblediscoveries.com/the-real-calvary-and-the-real-holy-sepulcher.html

https://atrueott.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/the-church-of-the-holy-sepulcher-vs-the-garden-tomb/

Does it really matter? Not really. The exact location, if it is ever identified, holds historical, but not spiritual significance. What is significant is what happened there and nearby: Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to life, defeating death and offering eternal life to all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:3–4; John 11:25–26). Whether we stand at the precise spot or not, the cross still speaks, the tomb is still empty, and the Savior still reigns forever.

understand

Jesus was crucified at Golgotha outside Jerusalem.
The exact location of Golgotha is uncertain today.
What matters most is not where Jesus was crucified but that He died, was buried, and rose again, defeating sin and death.

reflect

How does knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice is more important than the actual geographical location impact your faith?
How does the truth that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again impact your daily faith and trust in Him?
How can you live with the same awareness of victory over sin and death that Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates?

engage

Why do the Gospels emphasize that Golgotha was a public place visible to many, and how does that shape our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice?
How does the uncertainty of the exact location of Jesus’ crucifixion influence the way we approach what we know versus what is important to know?
How can we apply the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection in our lives, even if we cannot physically identify Golgotha?