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Via Dolorosa

Jerusalem


The road leading from Lions' Gate into the heart of the Old City is known as Via Dolorosa or the Stations of the Cross. It’s the route that many Christians believe was taken by the condemned Jesus as he carried his cross to Calvary. To tackle the stations in order, you can embark on a self-guided walking tour. Plaques mark each of the nine ‘stations’ (some are easy to miss); the final five stations are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

At 3pm on Friday, the Franciscan Fathers lead a solemn procession here. At any time, you’re likely to encounter tour groups of all nationalities, including pilgrims carrying their own huge (rented) crosses up the hill.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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1. 1st Station, Via Dolorosa

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The 1st Station, where Pontius Pilate is said to have condemned Jesus, is inside the working Islamic Al Omariyeh school near Lions' (St Stephen's) Gate…

2. Terra Sancta Museum

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Yet another high-quality archaeology museum in the city, this one run by the Franciscans and showcasing their New Testament–period collection of artefacts…

3. 2nd Station, Via Dolorosa

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The 2nd Station is in the Franciscan Church of the Condemnation, to the left after you enter the church compound. This is where it is believed Jesus…

4. 4th Station, Via Dolorosa

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The 4th Station along the Via Dolorosa marks the spot where Jesus is said to have faced his mother in the crowd of onlookers. It is an area of paving…

5. 3rd Station, Via Dolorosa

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On Al Wad St, just a few steps south of the Via Dolorosa, is the 3rd Station, where it is believed Jesus fell for the first time. The station is in the…

6. 5th Station, Via Dolorosa

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At the corner of Al Wad St and the western stretch of the Via Dolorosa is the 5th Station, where it is said that the Romans ordered Simon the Cyrene (aka…

7. Little Western Wall

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Little known and seldom visited by tourists, this small section of the Second Temple–period Temple Mount enclosure (the upper rows of stones are from…

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