via dolorosa

[ dol-uh-roh-suh, doh-luh- ]

noun

1. (initial capital letters) Christ's route to Golgotha.
2. a trying, painful, or sorrowful course or series of experiences.

Via Dolorosa

/ ˈviːə ˌdɒləˈrəʊsə /

noun

1. the route followed by Christ from the place of his condemnation to Calvary for his crucifixion
2. an arduous or distressing course or experience

Word History and Origins

Origin of via dolorosa¹

From Latin via dolōrōsa literally, “sorrowful road”

Word History and Origins

Origin of via dolorosa¹

Latin, literally: sorrowful road

Example Sentences

In real life, they flocked to businesses that figured in the show — SUR, the since-closed PUMP, TOMTOM, Schwartz & Sandy’s, Vanderpump Dogs — with the fervor of Christian pilgrims on the Via Dolorosa.

From Los Angeles Times

Morris is busy with new work: His latest, “Via Dolorosa,” set to music by Nico Muhly and Alice Goodman, will have its world premiere in Berkeley, Calif., in April.

From Seattle Times

The incident occurred in the Church of the Flagellation, which is located on the Via Dolorosa, the route believed to have been walked by Jesus to his crucifixion.

From Seattle Times

On his hat is a gold badge depicting the myth of Leda and the Swan, and in his right hand is a vibrant red carnation: a mark of fidelity, maybe, or an evocation of Mary’s tears on the Via Dolorosa.

From New York Times

The winding passageways that form the Via Dolorosa, along which Christians believe Jesus hauled his cross toward his crucifixion, were packed with over 1,000 worshipers.

From New York Times