Top Ten Holy Land sites in Jerusalem

3. Via Dolorosa
For many Christian pilgrims, the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) is a spiritual highlight when touring Jerusalem. The traditional walk follows the route of Jesus after his condemnation as he carries his cross to be executed in Calvary.

Daily guided tours, and tourist on their own can easily follow the route, however if you’re visiting on Friday, you can join the Franciscan monks in procession along the Via Dolorosa. The route is marked by 14 Stations of the Cross, several which are based on the Gospel, and other on pilgrim and local tradition.

The walk starts in the Muslim Quarter, the 1st station near HaPrakhim Street, heading west there are eight other stations until you reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where the last five Stations of the Cross are located. Of great interest along the route is the Church of the Flagellation, a Franciscan complex which includes a monastery located in the Muslim Quarter, and is adjacent to the Church of the Condemnation and Imposition of the Cross. The site is traditionally marked as the place where the Roman soldiers flogged Jesus after he was convicted and sentenced to death by crucifixion (John 19:17-19).

Location: Via Dolorosa Street, Old City