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Follow the Path to Crucifixion at the Via Dolorosa
Published by Camilla Cheung, Writer
Country: Israel 
The Experience
Following in the footsteps of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem is one of the most meaningful and significant ways to experience the Old City. Jerusalem, one of the most vibrant and most fought-over cities in the world, is a holy site for three of the world’s major religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to this beautiful ancient city in search of inspiration and fulfillment. From the arresting sight of the faithful in earnest prayer at the Western Wall, to glimpses of the beautiful Dome of the Rock, Old Jerusalem overflows with incredible sights.
The Via Dolorosa, latin for “Way of Suffering”, is regarded as the path that Jesus trod as he was tried, convicted, beaten, and then led to his death on the Cross. Today, there are nine stations on the Via Dolorosa, each symbolizing an event of Jesus’ passion, ending in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
If you follow the Via Dolorosa in Old Jerusalem, you’ll start along a stone street in the heart of the old city, just inside the Lion’s Gate. Look for the signs on the stone walls around you to tell you where the stations are. The first two stops are where Jesus was put on trial by Pilate at Pilate’s house, and then where Jesus was flogged at the Monastery of the Flagellation. Following this, there are three stops where, legend has it, Jesus fell three times. There are also four stops where Jesus encountered significant people, both in the Bible record and in legend. These include, the Virgin Mary, Simon of Cyrene (who helped Jesus carry his cross), Veronica (a Catholic Saint), and finally, several pious women.
The journey ends in the rambling, cavernous labyrinth of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where you can climb up to a room that is claimed to be the place Jesus was crucified. If you're lucky, you may catch a re-enactment of Jesus' path to the cross - a group of the faithful often dress in period clothing, and carry a wooden cross along the Via Dolorosa, acting out the events that led to the crucifixion.
The Via Dolorosa, latin for “Way of Suffering”, is regarded as the path that Jesus trod as he was tried, convicted, beaten, and then led to his death on the Cross. Today, there are nine stations on the Via Dolorosa, each symbolizing an event of Jesus’ passion, ending in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
If you follow the Via Dolorosa in Old Jerusalem, you’ll start along a stone street in the heart of the old city, just inside the Lion’s Gate. Look for the signs on the stone walls around you to tell you where the stations are. The first two stops are where Jesus was put on trial by Pilate at Pilate’s house, and then where Jesus was flogged at the Monastery of the Flagellation. Following this, there are three stops where, legend has it, Jesus fell three times. There are also four stops where Jesus encountered significant people, both in the Bible record and in legend. These include, the Virgin Mary, Simon of Cyrene (who helped Jesus carry his cross), Veronica (a Catholic Saint), and finally, several pious women.
The journey ends in the rambling, cavernous labyrinth of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where you can climb up to a room that is claimed to be the place Jesus was crucified. If you're lucky, you may catch a re-enactment of Jesus' path to the cross - a group of the faithful often dress in period clothing, and carry a wooden cross along the Via Dolorosa, acting out the events that led to the crucifixion.
When to Go to Via Dolorosa Jerusalem
You can visit Jerusalem any time of the year, although it is quite hot in the summer. However, most of the streets of Jerusalem are in the shade, so if you can only make it in the summer, you should be fine. Otherwise, spring and fall are the best times to visit. The busiest time to visit the Via Dolorosa is during Holy Week, when thousands of pilgrims come together to follow the route.
If you are visiting during one of the major Jewish holidays, be aware that there may be less availability for hotel rooms, and many restaurants and shops will be shut down. Another important thing to consider is that many establishments and transportation are shut down for the Sabbath, starting on Friday evening.
There are several well-priced hostels in the Old City itself, though if you are looking for larger, more upscale hotels, you may want to look outside the Old City for more options.
If you are visiting during one of the major Jewish holidays, be aware that there may be less availability for hotel rooms, and many restaurants and shops will be shut down. Another important thing to consider is that many establishments and transportation are shut down for the Sabbath, starting on Friday evening.
There are several well-priced hostels in the Old City itself, though if you are looking for larger, more upscale hotels, you may want to look outside the Old City for more options.
Odds n' Ends
It is best to dress modestly while visiting the Old City in Jerusalem, as scanty clothing is not permitted in many significant areas such as the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. Pants or skirts that go down past the knee are recommended, and don't wear shorts, sleeveless shirts or tank tops. In some areas, like the Western Wall, you will have to wear a head covering - if you forget to bring one, you can borrow one, but you may prefer to wear your own.
There are fewer cultural sensitivities around the Christian sites, though modest clothing is still recommended. Don't forget to wear good walking shoes, as you will be spending the better part of each day walking.
There are fewer cultural sensitivities around the Christian sites, though modest clothing is still recommended. Don't forget to wear good walking shoes, as you will be spending the better part of each day walking.
Places to Stay Nearby
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Sacred Destinations, Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem
- For many Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem, the most important and meaningful thing they will do while in the city is walk the Via Dolorosa, the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pilate and his crucifixion and burial.
Media References
- Via Dolorosa - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- In Israel, The Bible is our GPS - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
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