The Courtyard of the Flagellation
Was Jesus Scourged by Roman Soldiers on this Spot?
Location – The Muslim Quarter
Map Coordinates - 31.780440, 35.233973
This is an easy site to get to, and our Octagon Tour groups always have the chance to see it. There are two Roman Catholic churches in this complex located in the Muslim Quarter of Old Jerusalem, near the Lion’s Gate (Saint Stephen’s Gate).
The Church of the Flagellation
According to tradition this church enshrines the spot where Jesus Christ was flogged by Roman soldiers before his journey down the Via Dolorosa to Calvary.
In the fifth century a church was built here bearing the name of Saint Sophia ("wisdom" in Greek). Another church was then built here by the Crusaders in the 12th century, but abandoned for many centuries, since the country came under Muslim rule, at which time this church was used as a stable. In 1838 AD the church was acquired by the Franciscans, and its restoration was completed between 1927 and 1929 AD. The current church is a complete reconstruction of the original Crusader shrine.
Some noteworthy points of interest include the church's mosaic-clad dome designed as a crown of thorns, and the three stained glass windows, each depicting a different aspect of the church's Biblical history.
The first window depicts Pontius Pilate washing his hands (Matthew 27:24).
The second window depicts His flagellation (Mark 15:15; John 19:1).
The third window depicts the release of Barabbas (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15, Luke 23:24-25).
A painting on a side wall commemorates Saint Paul’s imprisonment in the Antonia fortress.
The Church of the Condemnation and Imposition of the Cross.
The Church of the Condemnation and Imposition of the Cross.
The original church was built during the Byzantine era. It was converted into a mosque before being restored to a Catholic church in 1909.
The monastery stands at the traditional Second Station of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa, and it marks the spot traditionally held to be where Jesus took up His cross after being sentenced to death by crucifixion.
On the left you can see a statue of Jesus as He is being condemned. On the right is a statue of Him taking up His cross.
Jesus taking up His cross at the Second Station of the Cross.