Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, probably on April 7, 30 A.D. For Christians, the "Son of God" began a different era with his sacrifice announcing freedom from sin and death by his resurrection. In memory of Jesus, Christian pilgrims from all over the world travel the Via Dolorosa from Antonia, Pontius Pilate's seat of government, to the basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, built on Golgotha, the "hill of the Skull". The Via Dolorosa is the route symbolizing the bearing of the cross with Christ.

First Station

Jesus is condemned to crucifixion. Pontius Pilate, under pressure from the High Priests and the crowd, passes the death sentence while trying to dissociate himself from this judgment by washing his hands.

Second Station

Jesus bears the cross. Following flagellation, Jesus is crowned with thorns and clothed in purple as a mark of derision by the soldiers who along with crowd mocked the so-called "king of the Jews". Jesus departs for the place of execution outside the city gates.

Third Station

Jesus falls for the first time. Jesus said to his disciples: "My life, no one shall take it from me, I who shall give it".

Fourth Station

Jesus meets his mother. The prophecy Simeon made to Mary when Jesus presented himself at the temple is fulfilled: "thy son will be a sign of contradiction, and thee, a sword will pierce thy heart."

Fifth Station

Jesus is helped by Simon of Cryene. Simon is required to carry the cross at the side of Jesus; a gesture symbolizing the Christian conviction, "Thy brother is Christ".

Sixth Station

Veronica wipes Jesus' face. The cloth Veronica used held the sweat of blood which covered Jesus' face.

Seventh Station

Jesus falls for the second time.

Eighth Station

Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem. "Do not cry for me, cry rather for yourselves and your children" said Jesus.

Ninth Station

Jesus falls for the third time.

Tenth Station

Jesus is deprived of his clothes. Jesus speaks to his father through the words of the psalmist - "You wanted neither sacrifice nor obligation, you gave me one body, you did not agree on either holocaust or sacrifice, so I said, 'Here I am I come...'in order that thy will be done O lord."

Eleventh Station

Jesus is put on the cross. Jesus words resound: "And I, raised from the earth, will draw all men to me." In these words he indicated the manner of his death.

Twelfth Station

Jesus dies. The last testimony of Jesus who had said "the father and I are one" gave forth his terrible cry: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?". Then "Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up his ghost".

Thirteenth Station

Jesus, descended from the cross, is placed in his mother's arms.

Fourteenth Station

Jesus is placed in the tomb. With Passover starting that day, Joseph of Arimethea offered his tomb, where Jesus was placed. The stone was rolled on top.