Walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem in the Jubilee Year 2025: A Pilgrimage of Faith, Hope and Reflection
I’m back home after an unforgettable pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This wasn’t my first time walking the sacred streets of Jerusalem, but it was different. This time, I wasn’t traveling solo, and the occasion was extra special. It was a seven-day pilgrimage that took place in 2025 to mark the opening of the Chapel of the Croatian Saints and the Blessed on the Shepherds’ Field near Bethlehem.
While we visited many significant Biblical sites across Israel and the West Bank (Palestinian Territories), one of the most moving experiences was walking the 14 Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa is a path I had walked before, but this time, with a deeper understanding and greater connection, it felt as though each step was a prayer of its own.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO.
What is the Via Dolorosa?
The Via Dolorosa, which means “The Way of Suffering” in Latin, is the route that Jesus is believed to have taken on the way to His crucifixion. It winds through the Old City of Jerusalem, marked by the Stations of the Cross, each representing a key event in Jesus’ final journey. The path is approximately 600 meters long, stretching from the Antonia Fortress, where Jesus was condemned, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where He was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
Walking the 14 Stations of the Via Dolorosa: A Journey of Reflection
Walking the Via Dolorosa is not just a physical journey—it’s a spiritual one. As you make your way along the narrow, bustling streets, it’s easy to get caught up in the crowd, but as you pause at each station, the weight of history and faith settles in. Here’s a glimpse of what the Stations of the Cross represent and how each one touched my heart.
The 14 Stations of the Cross of the Via Dolorosa
1. First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death
Location: The Antonia Fortress (now in the courtyard of Islamic Umariya Elementary School near Lion’s Gate; location)
Biblical Verse: “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ And they slapped him in the face.” (John 19:1-3)
Standing at the first station, I couldn’t help but reflect on how quickly Jesus was condemned by the crowd. The overwhelming feeling of injustice, yet knowing it was part of the plan for salvation, made me pause in silence. It reminded me of times in my life when I felt unjustly treated or misunderstood—and how important it is to surrender those moments to God.
2. Second Station: Jesus Takes Up His Cross
Location: The Church of the Flagellation
Biblical Verse: “Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).” (John 19:17)
As I looked at the spot where Jesus picked up the cross, the weight of the moment hit me. The cross wasn’t just a physical burden—it represented the sin of the world. I couldn’t help but think about the burdens I carry daily, and how Jesus’ willingness to carry His cross, for me and for everyone, inspires me to embrace my own challenges with faith.
On your way from the 2nd station to the 3rd station of the Cross, you will see the famous Ecce Homo arch. It is an ancient stone arch, from Emperor Hadrian’s time, that curves over the street.
The arch is believed to be the location of Pontius Pilate’s Ecce Homo (Behold the Man in Latin) speech. Pontius Pilate stood there as he presented Jesus to the hostile crowd saying ‘Behold the Man‘.
Bible verse: “Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!“ (John 19:5,6,15; Matthew 27:23,17,21,22)
3. Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
Location: the Polish Catholic Chapel (acquired by Armenian Catholics from Poland) on the Via Dolorosa Street
Biblical Verse: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7)
I stood still here, overwhelmed by the thought of Jesus, so exhausted and beaten, falling under the weight of the cross. We often fall in life—physically, mentally, and spiritually. As I reflected on this station, I felt a sense of empathy, realizing that even in our deepest struggles, we can find strength through Christ, who understands our pain.
4. Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Blessed Mother
Location: Next to the 3rd Station of the Cross (inside the Armenian Orthodox chapel of Our Lady of the Spasm in the Via Dolorosa)
Biblical Verse: “A sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:35)
This station was particularly emotional for me. I thought about Mary—her love for her son, her sorrow, and the pain she must have felt as she watched him suffer. There’s something so raw and intimate about a mother’s love. Standing here, I prayed for all the mothers in my life, especially those who are going through hardship.
5. Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross
Location: at the intersection of Al Wad Street and Via Dolorosa Street (walk a few meters from the fourth station along the Via Dolorosa and then turn right on the first street; location)
Biblical Verse: “As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” (Luke 23:26)
I reflected on Simon’s role in helping Jesus. I thought about the people in my own life who have helped me carry my burdens—whether they knew it or not. It was a moment to reflect on the importance of community and how, as Christians, we are called to help one another through difficult times.
6. Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes Jesus’ Face
Location: Next to the baby blue door in the Via Dolorosa street (location)
Biblical Verse: The Bible does not mention Veronica. The story of Veronica is a part of Catholic piety. But, let me suggest this verse: “Then the king will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40)
As I stood at this station, I thought about the act of kindness from Veronica. She saw Jesus’ suffering and reached out to comfort Him, even at great personal risk. It reminded me of how we are called to show compassion, even in the hardest of times, and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
7. Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time
Location: at a “T” intersection of Via Dolorosa Street and Khan es-Zeit Street (45 m from the sixth station; location)
Biblical Verse: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Again, Jesus falls. The weight of His suffering must have been immense. I felt a deep sadness at this station, knowing how much pain He endured. But it also reminded me of my own falls and failures, and how every time I fall, Christ is there to help me rise again.
8. Eighth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Location: the wall is on the back side of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Charalambos (location)
Biblical Verse: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28)
Jesus spoke to the women of Jerusalem, asking them not to weep for Him but for themselves and their children. Standing here, I thought about how often we are consumed by our own pain and suffering, and how Christ calls us to focus on the greater picture of salvation. It was a powerful reminder to live with a heart of compassion for others.
9. Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
Location: in the open courtyard at the entrance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Monastery and the Coptic Monastery of St Helena that is on top of part of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (location)
Biblical Verse: “My strength has dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.” (Psalm 22:15)
The third and final fall of Jesus was heartbreaking. His journey was almost complete, but the pain was still so real. This station made me reflect on how often we want to give up when life gets difficult, but how important it is to keep going, trusting in God’s plan for us.
To proceed with the Station of the Cross of the Via Dolorosa, continue through an open door In the southwest corner of the courtyard. The door will lead you down a dark staircase and through the Ethiopian chapels. Follow the path (there is only one way!) and you will be in the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
10. Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Clothes
Location: The Chapel of the Franks (Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows) of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (*The Chapel is connected to Calvary, but you can see it from the outside of the Church)
Biblical Verse: “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.” (John 19:23)
Stripped of everything, Jesus was humiliated. This station reminded me of the times when I felt vulnerable or exposed, but it also encouraged me to reflect on the humility of Christ. Sometimes, it’s through our lowest moments that we experience the deepest connection with God.
To proceed with the Stations of the Cross, go to the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and climb up the steep staircase on the right near the entrance of the Church of Holy Sepulchre to go to Station 11 and Station 12 on the Golgotha.
11. Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
Location: The Chapel of the Crucifixion – the crucifixion site on the Gogotha (Calvary) inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Biblical Verse: “They crucified him. And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.” (Mark 15:24)
As I knelt at this station, I could almost feel the weight of the nails, the agony of Jesus’ body as He hung there. This was the culmination of His suffering—and the ultimate expression of God’s love. At that moment, I felt overwhelming gratitude for the sacrifice He made for all of humanity.
12. Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Location: The Chapel of the Crucifixion – the crucifixion site on the Gogotha (Calvary) inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Biblical Verse: “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46)
At this station, I couldn’t hold back my tears. Jesus died for us. For me. For you. For everyone. It was a moment of deep reflection and surrender. I prayed for forgiveness and for the strength to live in a way that honors His sacrifice.
13. Thirteenth Station: The Body of Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
Location: The Stone of Anointing at the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Biblical Verse: “When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.” (Matthew 27:57-58)
The lifeless body of Jesus was gently taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of His Blessed Mother. The 13th Station of The Cross is traditionally observed at the Stone of Anointing, where Jesus’ body was laid down and prepared (anointed) for burial.
This station is so tender, full of grief and love. I thought about how often we experience loss in our lives and how Jesus is always with us, even in our sorrow.
14. Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
Location: The Holy Sepulchre in the Aedicule
Biblical Verse: “Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:40)
Finally, Jesus is laid to rest in the tomb. But we know that the story doesn’t end here. The resurrection is coming. As I stood there, I felt a sense of peace knowing that death does not have the final word. Christ’s victory over death gives us hope for eternal life.
Why You Should Walk the Via Dolorosa
Walking the Via Dolorosa is more than just a physical journey; it’s a spiritual one. Each station offers a moment to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, and each step brings you closer to understanding the depth of His love for us. If you ever find yourself in Jerusalem, I wholeheartedly encourage you to walk the Via Dolorosa. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the Holy Land. It’s not just a path; it’s a pilgrimage of the heart. If you prefer a guided tour of the Via Dolorosa, consider taking this walking tour in Jerusalem.
As I walked the streets of Jerusalem, I felt an incredible connection to the people of the past—those who walked with Jesus, and those who, like me, seek to deepen their faith and understanding. It was a journey that reminded me of the importance of love, sacrifice, and the endless hope we find in Christ.
Where to Stay in Jerusalem
Choosing the right place to stay in Jerusalem depends on your preferences for proximity to holy sites, atmosphere, and budget. Consider staying near the Christian Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Recommended Hotels:
The Notre Dame Center: A Catholic guesthouse run by the Vatican, located just a short walk from the Old City. It’s peaceful, with a rooftop offering stunning views of Jerusalem.
The American Colony Hotel: A luxurious option with Christian roots, offering a blend of modern amenities and historical charm. Though not in the Christian Quarter, it’s a short distance to the Old City.
St. George’s Cathedral Guest House: Situated near the Cathedral of St. George, this guesthouse offers simple accommodations with a Christian atmosphere.
