The Latin translation of Via Dolorosa is the “Way of Suffering”. The path is within the ancient city of Jerusalem and is known to be the path Jesus walked, carrying his cross on the way to his crucifixion.
The route goes from the Antonia Fortress where He was held to the location of the present day Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It winds 2000 feet through the narrow streets of Jerusalem and is celebrated by Christian pilgrims that often way its route during their visits to the city.
There are 15 stations to mark the routes with the last five being inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The Via Dolorosa was built by Emperor Hadrian and was a major route in Jerusalem 2000 years ago.
There have been a few route changes over the centuries however the majority of the route was established by early pilgrims in the third century.
The traditional path is marked by a festival held each good Friday by thousands of Christians and is a celebrated part of Jerusalem.