About Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa is a processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem. The route is established by tradition and widely recognized as the path that Jesus would have walked while on His way to His Crucifixion. Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate to be judged and condemned, and later He carried the heavy cross through the crowded streets to where He would be crucified.

History of the Route

The Via Dolorosa was formalized by the Order of the Franciscans in medieval times as the route to remember the suffering of Jesus in Jerusalem. People were able to honour the Passion of Christ. Over the centuries, the route has changed several times.

Modern Via Dolorosa

The present route comprising 14 Stations of the Cross was set in the 18th and 19th century. The 14 Stations are all within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. It begins at the Praetorium where Jesus was tried and convicted and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Via Dolorosa passes through busy streets and is marked by the 14 Stations of the Cross. Each Station of the Cross is marked with a Roman numeral plaque.