Via Dolorosa: How Long Did Jesus Walk and What Happened?

The Significance of Via Dolorosa in Christianity

The Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrow is the route Jesus walked from his condemnation before Pilate, to his crucifixion on Golgotha. The route was lined with a hostile crowd, hurling insults at Him wearing a crown of thorns and carrying the cross.

It is about 0.5mi/0.80km so it could have taken anywhere from 1hr to 3hrs for Christ to walk, stopping several times along the way.

It is one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged scenes in the Bible.

The 14 Stations of the Cross

14 places along the Via Dolorosa are identified as the Stations of the Cross where Jesus paused, stumbled, or spoke to someone along the way.

Station 1: Condemned to Death by Pontius Pilate

Station 1 can be located by the North-West corner of the temple mount. At present, there is a school by the name of Al-Omariya. In Roman times, it was the hall of judgment and the site of the seat of Pontius Pilate, found in the Antonia fortress. This is where Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus to death. "Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified" ( John 19:16).

Station 2: Jesus Received His Cross to Bear

The second station is found merely across the round of the first station, near the Franciscan monastery compound. This is where they handed Jesus his cross to bear.

Station 3: He Fell for the First Time

Number 3 can be found on the corner of Via Dolores and AI Wad/Hagaii street. This is where Jesus fell under the weight of the cross for the first time. Here you will find a sharp turn to the South-East, following the Westward side of The Temple Mount.

Station 4: Jesus Spoke to Mary

At station 4 He saw his mother Mary with the disciples. To her, He said: "Woman, behold thy son" (John 19:26). With these words, he entrusts Mary to the care of the disciples.

Station 5: Simon Was Compelled to Help

Located by the corner of Via Dolores and EI-Wad (The Gai) road. At this point, the road turns a sharp right and starts towards the hill with a series of stairs. This is where Simon was compelled by the Romans to help Jesus carry his cross. "And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him, they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus" (Luke 23, 26).

Thereafter, a Franciscan church was erected at the fifth station, in honor of Simon the Cyrenian.

Station 6: The Origin of the Veil of Veronica

Further up the hill, a woman by the name of Veronica, also known as Berenike, offered a cloth to Jesus for him to wipe his face. Jesus accepted the offer, and it is said that when he wiped his face it miraculously captured it. This cloth is now known as "The Veil of Veronica".

Station 7: Jesus Fell Again

This is where Jesus falls for the second time. It also marks the place where He passed through the gates of judgment. "All who see me deride me. They curl their lips, they toss their heads. Do not leave me alone in my distress; come close, there is none else to help" (Psalms 22:8, 12)

Station 8: He Spoke to a Group of Women

At station 8, found closest to the church of Sepulchre, was a group of women who were grieving for Jesus and his pain. "But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children". (Luke 23, 27)

Station 9: Jesus Falls a Third Time

Now, closer to the place of crucifixion (Golgotha), Jesus falls for the third time. Today, this station can be found next to the Holy Sepulchre, the place of His tomb.

Station 10: The Division of Robes

At this point, the Romans stripped Jesus of his garments, also known as 'Division of Robes'. "And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take" (Mark 15,24).

Station 11: Jesus Was Nailed to the Cross

Reaching the Hill of Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the cross. Today this station can be found within the church of the Holy Sepulchre, just beyond the wall.

Station 12: He Breathes His Last Breath

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” And having said this, he breathed his last, ending his suffering. (Luke 23:46) This station can be found within the Church of Sepulchre and is marked by a Greek Orthodox crucifixion altar.

Station 13: Joseph Took Jesus’ Body Away

Joseph of Arimathea then asked for Jesus's body and with permission took it away. "Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury" (John 19: 40)

Station 14: They Laid Him Down in His Tomb

After His body had been wrapped in linen and spices, they laid Him down in his tomb. This place is known as the final station of Via Dolores and can be found in the round hall (Rotunda). His tomb is located within a smaller structure at the center.

Walking the Via Dolorosa Today

The walk along the Via Dolorosa today is similar to the route Jesus would have walked, although it is based on tradition rather than archaeology. The route starts in the Old City's Muslim Quarter and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Each Friday, priests lead a religious procession along the Via Dolorosa.