The Via Dolorosa, known as the "Way of Suffering" in Christian tradition, is believed to be the path that Jesus Christ walked from the time of his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to his crucifixion and burial. This route is followed by many Christian denominations, particularly Catholics and Orthodox. The tradition is thought to have originated in the fourth century AD, when pilgrims began following a similar route.
Over its history, the path of the Via Dolorosa has undergone several changes. It spans 500 meters and includes 14 stations, starting from the Omariya School near the Lions' Gate and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Nine stations are located along the path leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while the final five stations are inside the church itself.
Located in Antonia Fortress, constructed by Herod in 35 BC and named after Mark Antony, Antonia Fortress served as the Roman governor's residence, also known as the "Praetorium." Here, Jesus Christ was brought and tried by Pontius Pilate. The Omariya School now stands on the ruins of this fortress, which remains to this day.
Adjacent to the Omariya School, there is a site maintained by the Franciscan Fathers, housing the Church of the Flagellation. This church was built on the remains of a Crusader era church from the 12th century. It commemorates where Jesus Christ was scourged, crowned with thorns, and handed over with the cross. This site also includes another church known as the Church of Condemnation, where Pilate sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.
Ecce Homo:
This monastery is known as the “Ecce Homo” or “Litostrotos” monastery. It is located at the beginning of the Via Dolorosa, where there are important ruins dating back to the Roman period that were discovered in 1857. The most important of these archaeological remains at the site are:
At this station, Jesus Christ stumbles and falls under the heavy weight of the cross. The site is marked by an Armenian Catholic church.
The fourth station marks the moment when Jesus meets his grieving mother, Mary. This emotional encounter is depicted in a carved panel above the entrance to the Armenian Church on the Valley Road.
At this stage, the centurion requests Simon of Cyrene's assistance in carrying Christ's cross. A beautifully carved plaque illustrating this scene is located above the Franciscan Church.
At this stage, a woman later known as Veronica, meaning "the true icon," wipes the face of Jesus Christ with a handkerchief. Tradition holds that this woman lived in the area, and after she wiped Christ's face, his image was miraculously imprinted on the cloth. This event is commemorated by an inscription at the entrance of the Roman Catholic Church.
Here, Jesus falls for the second time, commemorated by a Franciscan church located at this site.
Jesus continues his journey towards Golgotha, bearing his cross, and tradition holds that here he meets the daughters of Jerusalem. This location is marked by a cross engraved on the outer wall of the Roman Monastery.
Jesus Christ falls for the third time under the weight of the cross, where a church belonging to the Coptic Monastery now stands on the site.
It is located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and marks the stage where Jesus was stripped of his clothes in preparation for his crucifixion.
In this place, the nails were driven into the hands and feet of Christ on the cross.
The site of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross, where today there is a Greek Orthodox altar to commemorate this important religious event.
The body of Jesus Christ is taken down from the cross, placed on the anointing stone, anointed with perfume, and wrapped in shrouds to be buried in the tomb.
After wrapping his body in shrouds, Nicodemus took it and placed it in the Holy Tomb, which was a new tomb where no one had been buried before.