This is said to be the route which Jesus took, bearing the cross, on his way to be crucified. A definite must do for believers.
The Via Dolorosa
Jesus’ path from the place where he was sentenced to the location of the crucifixion is called in the Christion tradition “The Way of Grief”. Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on Passover eve with his students. After dining with them, Jesus and his students went to “Gathsemane”, where he was seized and handed over to the Romans. After that, Jesus was judged by the Roman governor Pontius Pilatus, and was sentenced to death by crucifixion.
This event occurred at the end of the Second Temple era, but the tradition that identifies this location as the Via Dolorosa evolved later, during the 13th century. This trail includes 14 stations that commemorate events depicted in the new testament and in later traditions. The last 5 stations in Via Dolorosa are located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The trail starts where the trial took place, where Jesus walked carrying the cross on his back, and continues to the site of the crucifixion- the Golgotha Hill, which is believed by most churches to be inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
On Fridays at noon, a procession of Franciscan monks starts from the first station of the Via Dolorosa, followed by many believers along the path up to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 1661 traveler reviews“Humbling Experience for the Christian Pilgrim”
In Latin, the "Way of Grief" or "Way of Suffering" is a humbling experience for the Christian Pilgrim. Definitely a must do experience, traveling this venerated Via, where Jesus was tried and carried His cross to His crucifiction. We unfortunately found several of the Stations closed when we walked the Via Dolorosa,...
MoreIn Latin, the "Way of Grief" or "Way of Suffering" is a humbling experience for the Christian Pilgrim. Definitely a must do experience, traveling this venerated Via, where Jesus was tried and carried His cross to His crucifiction. We unfortunately found several of the Stations closed when we walked the Via Dolorosa, but found it a moving experience none-the-less. Try not to get distracted by all of the bustling people and shops along the way; you may return to shop after completing the journey if you wish. I brought my Bible to read the Scriptural reference at each of the Stations along the way. TIP: We first toured "The Kotel", which leads through the Western Wall Tunnels, were we emerged at the end, onto the start of the Via Dolorosa. For the best experience on the Via Dolorosa, try to walk early, or after the tours of Christian pilgrims depart for the day, as it can get extremely congested, both on the processional route and at the conclusion in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Less“The Route of Crucification ”
“Authenticity takes you back two millenia”
Eliminate the smartphones and this could be as it was in the time of Jesus. We were here on a pilgrimage, but my focus in the review is on photography. It is challenging. It will be crowded and the footing is slick and uneven, so be mindful of where you are. It is street...
MoreEliminate the smartphones and this could be as it was in the time of Jesus. We were here on a pilgrimage, but my focus in the review is on photography. It is challenging. It will be crowded and the footing is slick and uneven, so be mindful of where you are. It is street photography, although if on a tour you will stop a few times and the guide will chat. Travel light, a DSRL with a zoom lens or even a pocket camera will suffice. Plan ahead by setting exposure, speed, ISO, etc. Expect post-processing and tossing many shots.
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