Almost anyone who visits Jerusalem…whether on a group tour or independently, will probably want to walk some–or all–of the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, a two-mile walk to remember Jesus carrying his cross to Calvary, Via Dolorosa” translates to “Sorrowful Way” or “Way of Suffering” in Latin.
Walking this route allows pilgrims to physically retrace the final, sacred steps of Jesus Christ from his condemnation to his crucifixion and burial at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This profound act of devotion connects Christians to the Passion, offering a, sobering…and emotional…experience of faith…one that is hard to put in to words..
The Via Dolorosa starts at the Lion’s Gate (St. Stephen’s Gate) in the Muslim Quarter and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter, a distance of about 2,000 feet (609 meters). There is some disagreement among historians as to whether or not this is the original route, but this is the one most commonly accepted.
It begins just inside the Lions’ Gate and makes its way through the Old City finally ending up at the
Chapels are located along the way at various stations along the way, giving the opportunity to pause for music, readings, and reflections. Of course these stations are surrounded by souvenir shops, which tends to give it a commercial feel, but the walk is meaningful if you can tune that out and concentrate on the stations themselves.
The 14 stations mark specific events along Jesus’ journey, including his condemnation, carrying the cross, falling, meeting his mother, and ultimately, his crucifixion and burial.
The stations are marked by plaques, chapels, and signs, allowing pilgrims and tourists to retrace Jesus’ walk through the streets of the Old City. it takes 1-2 hours to walk the Via Dolorosa.
The Stations of the Cross are notated in Roman numerals as follows:
I. (First) Jesus is condemned to death
II. (Second) Jesus receives the cross
III. (Third) Jesus falls the first time
IV. (Fourth) Jesus meets Mary, His mother
V. (Fifth) Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry the Cross
VI. (Sixth) Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
VII. (Seventh) Jesus falls the second time
VIII. (Eighth) Jesus speaks to the daughters of Jerusalem
IX. (Ninth) Jesus falls the third time
X. (Tenth) Jesus is stripped his garments
XI. (Eleventh) Jesus is crucified
XII. (Twelfth) Jesus dies on the cross
XIII. (Thirteenth) The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross
XIV. (Fourteenth) Jesus is laid in the tomb
XV. (Fifteenth) The Resurrection of Jesus: Although not traditionally part of the Stations, the Resurrection of Jesus was added by Pope John Paul II during his Papacy. For this reason, many older churches will have only 14 stations.
Here is a great video of a group led by Father Jeremy Davies as the walk the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem.