Chapter 53 Summary

Jerusalem is sparsely populated, but crowded because of the narrow alleys. Many races and religions reside here, each containing a large percentage of street beggars. Twain describes the uniqueness of the houses as being "knobby" and says that from a distance, one would see Jerusalem as a solid knobby place. The first attraction that the pilgrims cannot wait to visit is the Holy Sepulchre, which is the location of many divine events, including the Crucifixion of Christ. All of the holy "hot spots" are located under the roof of the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Just inside the church there is a marble slap which blocks the Stone of Unction. The actual stone had to be protected because pilgrims kept breaking pieces off of it and taking them home for souvenirs.

They enter the tomb of Jesus, in the center of the church. It...