The Shape of the Resurrection, from the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to the Round Churches of England.

My new home, Cambridge, is home to one of the most peculiarly shaped churches in the country, the so-called Round Church, one of only four throughout the nation. The history behind this peculiar design is not simply aesthetic but it carries a profound theological significance rooted in the very heart of Christendom. This story begins in 4th century Jerusalem, when Emperor Constantine embraces Christianity, willing to celebrate the new religion in all of its glory, he commissions the construction of churches in the Holy Land associated with the key events of the life of Jesus Christ. At the center of this effort is the journey of his mother, Helena, to Jerusalem. According to early sources, she identified these sites by consulting local Christian communities who had preserved the knowledge of these holy sites from living memory in the then not-so-distant apostolic times. Modern archeological research has increasingly supported the validity of these sites, as opposed to the made-up “Garden Tomb” discovered by 19th century Protestant archeologists. 

The 4th century Romans were actually right; by following inherited memory, Helena was able to identify the site, lying in an area outside the city walls in the 1st century and containing ancient tombs. Constantine had a circular church erected here, the so-called rotunda, built right over Christ’s tomb and the site of the Crucifixion, whose blood descended on the skull of Adam, according to tradition. This was a strong architectural departure from the Roman basilicas, this structure was gathered around a central point, the tomb, not simply a site of death but one of resurrection. However, the circular shape of the Holy Sepulcher church is deeply rooted in Roman architecture, buildings such as the Pantheon used domed, centralized spaces to express an idea of cosmic unity and eternity. The oculus represent a point of unity between earth and heaven. Early Christianity adopted this same language and that dome became a symbol of eternal life opened towards the resurrection. In the Holy Sepulcher, the central element is the specific element of Christ’s triumphant victory over death. Helena brought back Jerusalem to Rome by bringing that holy ground on which to build the basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, by consecrating Rome with the sacredness of the Holy City. This is where the relics of the Passion are housed, those found by Helena herself. 

Constantine’s family continued to sponsor buildings in this form within the Christian tradition, among them is the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, dedicated to the emperor’s daughter, another one is the 5th century church of Santo Stefano Rotondo, dedicated to Stephen, first Christian martyr. These Roman buildings, rooted in deep theological significance, became a model for churches across Europe. The next major phase came with the Crusades. In 1095, Pope Urban II called for the reconquest of Jerusalem, eventually the city was recaptured in 1099, and the Holy Sepulcher became the spiritual heart of the crusader kingdom, pilgrims and knights would visit the site which would naturally leave a tangible mark in their spirituality. Many tried to recreate that space at home. 

Building circular churches in Europe became their way of bringing Jerusalem home, allowing people to encounter that space without making the treacherous journey. England is home to some very fine examples, the most remarkable is perhaps the Temple Church in London, while perhaps the most charming is the Round Church in Cambridge. By the 12th century, Cambridge was growing rapidly, with monasteries and local parishes as well as a thriving trading community. By 1131, plans were made to build a round church, finally constructed by 1150. It started as a brotherhood dedicated to the Holy Sepulcher. The architecture of the church is Norman, evident due to the thick columns, round arches and dog-tooth patterns. These bold features define the solemnity of the space, despite its tiny size. The shape of the church reminded the faithful of Christ’s journey of death and resurrection at Jerusalem. A nave was added by the 15th century, decorated with angels, a defining feature of East Anglian churches. The small Round Church in Cambridge remains a moving tribute and a reminder of the holiest site in Christianity, there where Jesus died and came back from the dead.