Via Dolorosa
- Address:Begins at Herod's Palace at Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem
- Admission:Free
Holy Place, Religious Experience, Tip - When to Go, Street / Avenue
12:40 AM Sunday, May 27
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The Via Dolorosa is the path within the Old City of Jerusalem that Jesus is said to have took carrying the cross to his crucifixion. Known in Catholicism as the Stations of the Cross, the entire path is marked on the streets and major landmarks it passes through in order for pilgrims to retrace.
Although the path has changed several times over the course of history, today the main route is taken with 14 stations along the way, as it was done by early Byzantine pilgrims.
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Fantastic tour of the safe areas in Jerusalem including walking the last half of the Via Dolorosa to Holy Sepulchre Church. Great guide who gave us all time to absorb the atmosphere. The Wailing Wall and the walk through the old city was fascinating. NB There are many steps and slippery marble pavements to negotiate as well as lots of standing in queues to see things more closely. The trip to Bethlehem meant crossing into the Palestinian Territories (remember your passport) and winding our way alone through the wall which divides the 2 states.The Jewish guide stayed in Israel and we met our Palestinian guide on the other side. No queues and no problems. The Church of the Nativity had the longest queues but our guide helped the time pass with lots of information and humour. Went up to the Shepherds Field and there were sheep and modern shepherds in the valley opposite. A long but very rewarding day.
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The path of Via Dolorosa takes place in the Old City of Jerusalem, beginning near the Lion’s Gate near the Muslim Quarter, covering about .31 miles (500 meters), passing through Gethsemene and Mount Zion, eventually leading into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where it is believed Jesus ascended to heaven.
Although many pilgrims use the path as a place of prayer, because of the heavy traffic of tourists it is a difficult task.
For a more insightful experience, a weekly procession led by Franciscans is held every Friday at 3pm, the estimated time Jesus walked the path, giving you the most detailed account of the happenning. It begins at the Pilgrim’s Reception Center near by the Lion’s Gate.
