Before you is a marble slab, which covers the Stone of Unction, whereon the Saviour's body was laid to prepare it for burial.

It was found necessary to conceal the real stone in this way in order to save it from destruction.

Pilgrims were too much given to chipping off pieces of it to carry home.

Near by is a circular railing which marks the spot where the Virgin stood when the Lord's body was anointed.
Entering the great Rotunda, we stand before the most sacred locality in Christendom--the grave of Jesus.

It is in the centre of the church, and immediately under the great dome.