Gallicantu
The church of Gallicantu sits atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been taken for night-time trial before the high priest and chief Jews. In the lower level of this structure are ancient holding cells, and Jesus may have detained here while He was examined and then abused by His captors.
The church is located just south of the Temple Mount, an easy distance to transport a prisoner.
Cells in the lower levels of Gallicantu. Photo by Doug Garner
Sitting just outside the church building is a statue reminding one of Peter's betrayals before the rooster crowed. This statue cites the words of Luke 22:57, where Peter exclaims to the maids, "I do not know that man," while a Roman soldier looks on.
Atop the statue is a rooster, symbolizing the denials that took place in those early-morning hours (Matthew 26:69-75). In early Christian history, the rooster became a symbol of the mercy and forgiveness of God, forgiveness which Peter found after his betrayal. Early Christians used images and statues of roosters on their burial monuments, essentially reminding all of God's clemency during the early periods when Christians were often subject to persecution. When Christianity became a legal religion in the early fourth century and persecution waned, the rooster image came to be used less and less in funerary settings.
The Church of Gallicantu. Photo by Doug Garner
A number of cells are located at the lowest levels of the church. It is believed that Jesus was brought to these rooms and interrogated by Caiaphas and Annas.
Statue of Peter and others outside the church of Gallicantu. Photo by Doug Garner