The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
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Starting at St. Stephen's (Lions') Gate in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this is the route Jesus is said to have followed as he carried the Cross to his crucifixion.
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1-2 hours
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Brun066
Florence, Italy11,503 contributions
Aug 2022
Together with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is the culmination of this itinerary, the path believed to have been walked by Jesus in the hours of his sacrifice, is the element for which the city of Jerusalem is most sacred for Christians . The theological value of this path is very high, alluding to a qualifying element of Christianity, which is the belief that Jesus, divine being, became man and knowingly faced death to redeem humanity.
This path is repeated in countless places in the Christian world, both within churches and in the open air (among the latter I recall the paths in north-western Italy, and in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil).
In my opinion, even those who are not believers, but have lived in a Christian cultural way, will be impressed by the experience of this journey in Jerusalem.
The journey takes place almost entirely in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem, and we had a Jewish theologian as our guide for the path, extremely knowledgeable and with a captivating speech. What better proof of the syncretism of this city?
The path generally starts from the courtyard of the Arab college of Al-Omariyeh (stage 1), then passes to the Franciscan convent of the Flagellation (stage 2), to the entrance of the Armenian Patriarchate (stage 3), to the church of Our Lady of the Pain (stage 4), at the door (generally closed) of a building where Simon of Cyrene helped Christ carry the cross (stage 5).
Other doors that are generally closed are the one at stage 6 (where Veronica is said to have wiped Jesus' face) and the one at stage 7 (where Jesus fell for the second time). After stage 7, the route leaves the supposed walls of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus (not the current ones). This, incidentally, explains why Golgotha could be not a hill, but a minimal prominence, today enclosed in the basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.
The place marked as stage 8 follows, where Jesus met the weeping women, and the Coptic monastery of Deir as Sultan, at which a column marks stage 9 (Jesus falls the third time).
The next five stages are located in the premises of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, in a crescendo of solemnity.
I believe that this brief description has already rendered the hieratic atmosphere of the journey. Actually walking it, however, is another thing.
This path is repeated in countless places in the Christian world, both within churches and in the open air (among the latter I recall the paths in north-western Italy, and in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil).
In my opinion, even those who are not believers, but have lived in a Christian cultural way, will be impressed by the experience of this journey in Jerusalem.
The journey takes place almost entirely in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem, and we had a Jewish theologian as our guide for the path, extremely knowledgeable and with a captivating speech. What better proof of the syncretism of this city?
The path generally starts from the courtyard of the Arab college of Al-Omariyeh (stage 1), then passes to the Franciscan convent of the Flagellation (stage 2), to the entrance of the Armenian Patriarchate (stage 3), to the church of Our Lady of the Pain (stage 4), at the door (generally closed) of a building where Simon of Cyrene helped Christ carry the cross (stage 5).
Other doors that are generally closed are the one at stage 6 (where Veronica is said to have wiped Jesus' face) and the one at stage 7 (where Jesus fell for the second time). After stage 7, the route leaves the supposed walls of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus (not the current ones). This, incidentally, explains why Golgotha could be not a hill, but a minimal prominence, today enclosed in the basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.
The place marked as stage 8 follows, where Jesus met the weeping women, and the Coptic monastery of Deir as Sultan, at which a column marks stage 9 (Jesus falls the third time).
The next five stages are located in the premises of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, in a crescendo of solemnity.
I believe that this brief description has already rendered the hieratic atmosphere of the journey. Actually walking it, however, is another thing.
Written 20 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia12,100 contributions
Nov 2022
The Via Dolorosa means the Way of Suffering,. The Stations of the Cross mark the the suffering of Jesus, and his progress from where he picked up the cross to the place where he was crucified. It is meaningful to Christians, especially Catholics for whom the Stations of he Cross are an important element of ritual observance.
Written 20 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rascall
Thundersley, UK356 contributions
Nov 2022
How amazing and spiritual it is to walk the Via Dolorosa, the actual way that Jesus walked to his crucifixion. Very moving experience. Pray at each station of the Cross for peace. Amazing.
Written 18 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK1,632 contributions
Nov 2022
This was somewhat different to what I was expecting. You are walking along thronging narrow streets packed with tourists and locals making a lot of noise. The Stations of the Cross are marked but easily missed so this trip is best done with a guide. There are also a number of shrines and small chapels on the way. Some are interesting but many are missable.
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
betteskid
Boston, MA1,162 contributions
Nov 2022
We walked along this route to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and it did make the story from the Bible come alive. The church itself was also very beautiful and fortunately not too crowded when we were there.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tony C
Bedford, UK1,112 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
It was called the stations of the cross when I was growing up which represent the various stages of the walk of Jesus with the cross those thousands of years ago.
The walk starts ok the Muslim quarter and takes you to various stages (the way of the cross). Ensure you have a guide who can explain each stage to you (and ensure you don’t get lost).
If you are in Jerusalem this is a good way to walk around the old town whilst seeing religious history.
It’s not a long walk and while it’s through narrow streets it’s not too strenuous.
The walk starts ok the Muslim quarter and takes you to various stages (the way of the cross). Ensure you have a guide who can explain each stage to you (and ensure you don’t get lost).
If you are in Jerusalem this is a good way to walk around the old town whilst seeing religious history.
It’s not a long walk and while it’s through narrow streets it’s not too strenuous.
Written 2 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travellingdoc
London, UK5,421 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
A really interesting place to walk the final walk of Jesus with the various stations of the cross and experience the other historic sites built over the stations in the last 2000years.
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Angel Lazar
Jerusalem, Israel154 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
This just has to be done by foot, carrying a cross from the very Garden of Gethsemane to Calvary and the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre! This is the single most important part of our pilgrimmage journey!
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lee S
Australia2,501 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Walking Via Dolorosa the root Jesus took to his crucifixion is a moving Experience.
There are 14 stations on the walk, cobblestone & steps ( slippery ) in some places. This is a tourist area with many shops so it gets very busy also beware of the small vehicles traveling along it. The walk finished at the Holy Sepulchre.
There are 14 stations on the walk, cobblestone & steps ( slippery ) in some places. This is a tourist area with many shops so it gets very busy also beware of the small vehicles traveling along it. The walk finished at the Holy Sepulchre.
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3,134 contributions
Dec 2019
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, 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.
Written 17 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NO2VA
London, UK138 contributions
Hi, did you go with an organized tour? I want to go next year but don’t want to do the walk by myself, I’d love to have a priest as well.
lisavalbracht
Woodstock, GA21 contributions
Yes we went with a group organized by Educational Opportunities out of Lakeland Florida. There are many similar organizations internationally and I’m sure you could find one that would suit your preferences.
It’s the trip you’ll never forget!
Odyssey622222
Pacific Paradise, Australia6 contributions
When is the best time of year to visit Jerusalem?
Dykdoktorn
Stockholm, Sweden13 contributions
Hi, as you write! I don´t know better than you. I would also go back when it is not to warm nor to could in the winter. More exact I can not be. Stefan
Strawberries007
London, UK522 contributions
Is it best to do the walk at 3/4pm on Friday when the main walk is or it's the same as joining any group at another time do it?
nsalinas2017
San Antonio, TX18 contributions
You walk in your own experience with God anytime. He knows why you are doing this and pray ,cry, meditate and feel his presence there when you are walking and feel the cross too as he carried it for us.
I felt Jesus carrying the cross for our mistakes and sins. I felt he took all that from me and set me free. I will start a new life this coming year. He for sure answered my prayers too.I am a complete changed person for this experience has brought this out in me.
Everyone needs to experience this once in there lifetime.
Robert J
Pittsburgh, PA24 contributions
I am going to Jerusalem in two weeks and would like to experience the Stations of the Cross with a local church there, any suggestions on how to go about this? Robert
GrainneNiMhaille
Dublin, Ireland93 contributions
hello. It is a definately must do and see and feel whilst in Jerusalem. can be achieved on you or get a guide. just be careful as a lot of guides will try and get a lot of euro dollars or sterling outta you and tend to take little breaks in their family shops where they sell souvenirs etc..... but enjoy the experience
Heidi-Dana
Santa Monica, CA46 contributions
Hi -
My husband and I are attending the Holy Week activities in Jerusalem this year, and concerned about entrance on Good Friday to participate in the processional as we are not part of a church or mission group. Can someone please advise with regard to access, is it difficult, best time to be at the Via Crucis and where to begin the processional? Also, does one need a ticket to attend Easter Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?
Any and all details suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Alan H
Chicago, Illinois132 contributions
You will be richly blessed by this pilgrimage. But know that the crowds will be enormous and that you will need to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves the whole time you are in Jerusalem. Though you are not going with a church group, I strongly advise that you link up with some group once you are there rather than going on your own. You will learn more and feel safer. To walk the Via Dolorosa/Via Crucis, you will want to enter the Via Dolorosa from Beit HaBad Street, NOT from the east. Walk west up to the Church of the Condemnation and Flagellation to begin your journey, but do not continue any further east. Then reverse directions downhill to the west; looking for signs along the way. You should get a printed guide before you go. If you have not found a group with which to walk, there will be groups everywhere once you get there, all doing the same thing. Stay with a group and be sure to dress modestly. You will pass through crowded alleys filled with aggressive vendors. As for worshiping at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, if your intention is to be there for Easter Sunday morning you should be there VERY early for the first mass of the day (6am or 6:30am) and know that even then you almost certainly will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other worshipers and you may have to wait several hours to get in. This is true just about every Sunday of the year, but Easter will be the most challenging of all. No ticket is required. One more word of strong encouragement: do not just go to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre without also visiting the Garden Tomb next to the bus station. You will bless me for this suggestion. I hope that your pilgrimage will include time in Galilee, as you will be moved to tears again and again. Feel free to ask more questions.
talotan@gmail.com
Tel Aviv, Israel5 contributions
Planning a Jerusalem jurney, looking for historical reading materials . What is the book mentioned in the review ( The novel, Sister of Zion ) ?
Ana L
Navan, Ireland2,701 contributions
I am sorry. I can not help you with that. Although I wnrt to Jerusalem, I´m Atheist. Details of any religion... that´s asking too much :)
Betty C
Buenos Aires, Argentina11 contributions
Voy a llevar a una persona mayor,por lo que me gustarÃa saber cuánto mide aproximadamente el recorrido de la Via Dolorosa...gracias
No llega a un kilómetro el recorrido, lo que ocurre es que si lo coges desde el comienzo, para seguir el recorrido que hizo Jesucristo, todo es en subida. Te recomiendo tranquilidad y una buenas botella de agua. Eso sÃ, lo disfrutareis. Feliz viaje
THE WAY OF THE CROSS - VIA DOLOROSA (Jerusalem) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
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- We recommend booking The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 110 The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa tours on Tripadvisor
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