Image Details

Duby Tal/Albatross

Cutting through the crowded streets of Jerusalem, the Via Dolorosa makes its way west—down the center of this photo looking east—from the Temple Mount (the northern edge of which is visible at upper right) before cutting back to the southeast. This path, walked by Christians to follow the Stations of the Cross and other traditional sites associated with Jesus’ passion and death, begins at the former site of the Antonia, where it was once believed Jesus was tried and condemned by Pontius Pilate. Although it is unlikely that Jesus’ trial took place here, the first portion of this pilgrimage route overlies another important ancient feature: the east-west moat that marked the northern boundary of the Antonia. The Mount of Olives can be seen in the background.