The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem: Address, The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa Reviews: 4.5/5
The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
4.5
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Read more
About
Starting at St. Stephen's (Lions') Gate in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this is the route Jesus is said to have followed as he carried the Cross to his crucifixion.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
768 within 5 kms

Jaffar Sweets
121
0.2 kmR • Dessert • Middle Eastern

Amigo Emil
522
0.3 kmRR - RRR • International • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern

Bassem’s Gallery & Cafe
72
56 mR • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

Austrian Hospice
413
0.1 kmRR - RRR • Quick Bites • German • Austrian

Abu Shukri
431
0.1 kmR • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern • Israeli

The Quarter Cafe
243
0.5 kmRR - RRR • Israeli • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Family Restaurant
100
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Barbecue • Middle Eastern • Israeli

Versavee
522
0.6 kmRR - RRR • Bar • International • Mediterranean

Al Mufti Espresso Cafe
43
0.2 kmR • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

Nafoura
517
0.7 kmRR - RRR • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern • Armenian
Attractions
358 within 10 kms

Ecce Homo Jerusalem Historic Pilgrim House
90
13 mHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
The Notre Dame De Sion Centre For Biblical Formation
13 mReligious Sites

Terra Sancta Museum - Via Dolorosa
44
55 mSpeciality Museums

Church of Condemnation and Flagellation.
84
0.2 kmReligious Sites

Muslim Quarter
199
0.1 kmNeighbourhoods

Old City of Jerusalem
13Â 984
0.4 kmHistoric Sites • Neighbourhoods

Armenian Church of Our Lady of the Spasm
15
98 mHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Orthodox Shrine of the Nativity of Mary
17
0.2 kmReligious Sites

Church of Saint Anne
802
0.3 kmArchitectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Golden Gate (Bab el Rahmeh, Sha'ar Harahamim)
276
0.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1Â 662 reviews
Excellent
961
Very good
460
Average
186
Poor
41
Terrible
14
Angel Lazar
Jerusalem, Israel58 contributions
Solo
This just has to be done by foot, carrying a cross from the very Garden of Gethsemane to Calvary and the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre! This is the single most important part of our pilgrimmage journey!
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lee S
Australia2Â 440 contributions
Couples
Walking Via Dolorosa the root Jesus took to his crucifixion is a moving Experience.
There are 14 stations on the walk, cobblestone & steps ( slippery ) in some places. This is a tourist area with many shops so it gets very busy also beware of the small vehicles traveling along it. The walk finished at the Holy Sepulchre.
There are 14 stations on the walk, cobblestone & steps ( slippery ) in some places. This is a tourist area with many shops so it gets very busy also beware of the small vehicles traveling along it. The walk finished at the Holy Sepulchre.
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3Â 134 contributions
In Latin, the "Way of Grief" or "Way of Suffering" is a humbling experience for the Christian Pilgrim. Definitely a must do experience, traveling this venerated Via, where Jesus was tried and carried His cross to His crucifiction. We unfortunately found several of the Stations closed when we walked the Via Dolorosa, but found it a moving experience none-the-less. Try not to get distracted by all of the bustling people and shops along the way; you may return to shop after completing the journey if you wish. I brought my Bible to read the Scriptural reference at each of the Stations along the way. TIP: We first toured "The Kotel", which leads through the Western Wall Tunnels, were we emerged at the end, onto the start of the Via Dolorosa. For the best experience on the Via Dolorosa, try to walk early, or after the tours of Christian pilgrims depart for the day, as it can get extremely congested, both on the processional route and at the conclusion in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Written 17 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Weak Knee Traveler
Singapore, Singapore11Â 767 contributions
Friends
This is said to be the route which Jesus took, bearing the cross, on his way to be crucified. A definite must do for believers.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FredPurdue
Seattle, WA2Â 239 contributions
Eliminate the smartphones and this could be as it was in the time of Jesus. We were here on a pilgrimage, but my focus in the review is on photography. It is challenging. It will be crowded and the footing is slick and uneven, so be mindful of where you are. It is street photography, although if on a tour you will stop a few times and the guide will chat. Travel light, a DSRL with a zoom lens or even a pocket camera will suffice. Plan ahead by setting exposure, speed, ISO, etc. Expect post-processing and tossing many shots.
Written 2 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BillPNo1
Friendswood, TX690 contributions
The Via Dolorosa - The Way of the Cross is a winding path through the ancient Old City of Jerusalem tracing the route that Our Lord carried His Cross on His way to be crucified on Calvary. This is a awe-inspiring and inspirational journey that any Pilgrim to the Holy Land must take. 2,000 years of development along the Via Dolorosa has camoflaged and, in some places, obliterated the original route. In fact, the final three of the fourteen Stations are now all located in one place: outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (rather than in the original locations which are inside or underneath the Church itself). It is best to go in the very early morning, before the shops and stalls of the Old City fully come to life in order to experience the Via Dolorosa in its best light and with a minimum of current, modern distraction. Because of the cobblestone paving along the whole way, and the many sloping areas and steps in places, The Way of Th Cross is not very ADA compliant and wakers and/or wheelchairs will have difficulty managing its length.
Written 8 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ECLadines
Paranaque, Philippines2Â 801 contributions
This is it - the culmination of our Holy Land pilgrimage across 4 countries and territories (Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine). It's a must-do for Catholics here. Everyone in our group had the opportunity to carry the Cross and read the Stations of the Cross in a narrow marketplace similar to the 1st Good Friday scenes. It's approximately 600 meter route believed to follow the path of Jesus.
Written 28 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
etbtravelphotography
Denver, CO643 contributions
All the places which mark Jesus's way are not the way he likely went, but the tradition is so strong that it continues. The churches and city are built over the original ground and tourist shops line the way.
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vitor A
Lisbon, Portugal810 contributions
The Via Dolorosa it is something very important and deep for all Christians. Although the chapels provide you a bit of silence and insight of each Holy Station, walking from one to another, you just have shops and people around you, not allowing you introspective moments. Enjoy!
Written 29 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DQShaw
York, ME1Â 345 contributions
We went with a tour guide which gave us more insight as to where to go and the importance of the different stops along the way. You can't help but to be touched by the surroundings. After a lifetime of the stories and sermons it was amazing to walk the path.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NO2VA
London, UK138 contributions
Hi, did you go with an organized tour? I want to go next year but don’t want to do the walk by myself, I’d love to have a priest as well.
lisavalbracht
Woodstock, GA21 contributions
Yes we went with a group organized by Educational Opportunities out of Lakeland Florida. There are many similar organizations internationally and I’m sure you could find one that would suit your preferences.
It’s the trip you’ll never forget!
Odyssey622222
Pacific Paradise, Australia6 contributions
When is the best time of year to visit Jerusalem?
Dykdoktorn
Stockholm, Sweden13 contributions
Hi, as you write! I don´t know better than you. I would also go back when it is not to warm nor to could in the winter. More exact I can not be. Stefan
Strawberries007
London, UK519 contributions
Is it best to do the walk at 3/4pm on Friday when the main walk is or it's the same as joining any group at another time do it?
nsalinas2017
San Antonio, TX18 contributions
You walk in your own experience with God anytime. He knows why you are doing this and pray ,cry, meditate and feel his presence there when you are walking and feel the cross too as he carried it for us.
I felt Jesus carrying the cross for our mistakes and sins. I felt he took all that from me and set me free. I will start a new life this coming year. He for sure answered my prayers too.I am a complete changed person for this experience has brought this out in me.
Everyone needs to experience this once in there lifetime.
Robert J
Pittsburgh, PA24 contributions
I am going to Jerusalem in two weeks and would like to experience the Stations of the Cross with a local church there, any suggestions on how to go about this? Robert
GrainneNiMhaille
Dublin, Ireland93 contributions
hello. It is a definately must do and see and feel whilst in Jerusalem. can be achieved on you or get a guide. just be careful as a lot of guides will try and get a lot of euro dollars or sterling outta you and tend to take little breaks in their family shops where they sell souvenirs etc..... but enjoy the experience
Heidi-Dana
Santa Monica, CA46 contributions
Hi -
My husband and I are attending the Holy Week activities in Jerusalem this year, and concerned about entrance on Good Friday to participate in the processional as we are not part of a church or mission group. Can someone please advise with regard to access, is it difficult, best time to be at the Via Crucis and where to begin the processional? Also, does one need a ticket to attend Easter Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?
Any and all details suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Alan H
Chicago, Illinois131 contributions
You will be richly blessed by this pilgrimage. But know that the crowds will be enormous and that you will need to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves the whole time you are in Jerusalem. Though you are not going with a church group, I strongly advise that you link up with some group once you are there rather than going on your own. You will learn more and feel safer. To walk the Via Dolorosa/Via Crucis, you will want to enter the Via Dolorosa from Beit HaBad Street, NOT from the east. Walk west up to the Church of the Condemnation and Flagellation to begin your journey, but do not continue any further east. Then reverse directions downhill to the west; looking for signs along the way. You should get a printed guide before you go. If you have not found a group with which to walk, there will be groups everywhere once you get there, all doing the same thing. Stay with a group and be sure to dress modestly. You will pass through crowded alleys filled with aggressive vendors. As for worshiping at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, if your intention is to be there for Easter Sunday morning you should be there VERY early for the first mass of the day (6am or 6:30am) and know that even then you almost certainly will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other worshipers and you may have to wait several hours to get in. This is true just about every Sunday of the year, but Easter will be the most challenging of all. No ticket is required. One more word of strong encouragement: do not just go to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre without also visiting the Garden Tomb next to the bus station. You will bless me for this suggestion. I hope that your pilgrimage will include time in Galilee, as you will be moved to tears again and again. Feel free to ask more questions.
talotan@gmail.com
Tel Aviv, Israel5 contributions
Planning a Jerusalem jurney, looking for historical reading materials . What is the book mentioned in the review ( The novel, Sister of Zion ) ?
Ana L
Navan, Ireland2Â 701 contributions
I am sorry. I can not help you with that. Although I wnrt to Jerusalem, I´m Atheist. Details of any religion... that´s asking too much :)
Betty C
Buenos Aires, Argentina11 contributions
Voy a llevar a una persona mayor,por lo que me gustarÃa saber cuánto mide aproximadamente el recorrido de la Via Dolorosa...gracias
No llega a un kilómetro el recorrido, lo que ocurre es que si lo coges desde el comienzo, para seguir el recorrido que hizo Jesucristo, todo es en subida. Te recomiendo tranquilidad y una buenas botella de agua. Eso sÃ, lo disfrutareis. Feliz viaje
Frequently Asked Questions about The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa
- We recommend booking The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 109 The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa:
- Jerusalem Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Jesus (From RÂ 1Â 477,01)
- Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv (From RÂ 2Â 008,07)
- Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv (From RÂ 1Â 808,92)
- Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall (From RÂ 829,78)
- Jerusalem: Dual Narrative Tour (From RÂ 829,78)
- Hotels near The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa:
- (0.05 km) Ecce Homo Convent
- (0.12 km) Austrian Hospice
- (0.22 km) Hashimi Hotel
- (0.33 km) Golden Walls Hotel
- (0.25 km) Golden Gate Hostel Inn
- Restaurants near The Way of the Cross - Via Dolorosa:
- (0.00 km) Jaber Restaurant
- (0.06 km) Bassem’s Gallery & Cafe
- (0.14 km) Austrian Hospice
- (0.12 km) Abu Shukri
- (0.24 km) Jaffar Sweets