Titled “Who is the man in the shroud?”, the permanent exhibition about the Shroud of Turin is in Jerusalem’s Notre Dame center. It presents a detailed account of one of the holiest relics in Christendom and the most recent scientific research on it.

History of the Shroud of Turin

The shroud surfaced in 1353 in France. It was said to be used to wrap the body of Jesus, and shortly after taken to Constantinople, later to Greece, and eventually to France. Once presented to the public, it drew much attention. In 1578, the House of Savoy purchased it and transferred to the Cathedral of Turin, where it is on display to this day.

Modern study of the shround proved it contained micro remains of flowers typical only to Jerusalem’s area. However, carbon 14 tests dated the shroud to the 14^th century, when it first surfaced in France. Yet, some scholars claim that being on display for so many centuries, the shroud was contaminated with modern isotopes, distorted the carbon 14 results. One thing seems to be specific. The shroud was used to wrap a person who was flogged and pierced in his hands and legs.

Touring the Shroud of Turin Exhibition

The Shroud of Turin exhibition is permanently displayed in Jerusalem’s Notre Dame center and is free of charge. It features a replica of the shroud, a suggested position of the person it wrapped, and other items relating to the crucifixion of Jesus. It is well organized, with detailed explanations, yet lacks the shroud itself.

A visit to the exhibition can be combined with a day tour of Jerusalem.