In the courtyard of the Praetorium the ultimate sentence of Christ was passed by Pilate the Roman governor. According to the holy gospels, Christ was transferred here after Anna and Caiaphas to be judged (Matth. 27, 1-31), (John 18, 28-40). Its ruins are now scattered within three different monasteries: in the Franciscan monastery of the whipping of Christ and the convent of the “Sisters of Zion”, which is also called the Praetorium. A small part is saved of the pavement of the “Stone Pavement” of the courtyard of the Roman Praetorium. Also saved is an arch with three gates known as “Ecce Homo”, or “Behold the Man”. It is believed that this arch was part of the Praetorium and at this place Pilate brought Christ to the crowd saying: “Behold the Man”. In the Greek monastery there are ancient caves, one of which is believed to have been used as Christ's temporary prison. The second one, which is underground, is believed to have been used as prison for Barabbas, the robber. There is also the pool of St. Helen where every Great Friday they have the service of the Great Hours. The present Praetorium was built during the 18th century and belongs to the Greek Orthodox.
