View looking east at the steps that lead up to the closed entrance of the Muslim Umariyya Boys School. The street on the left side of the image is at the beginning of the Via Dolorosa.
This area is actually a ridge, the people are standing on it, and from them it slopes down into the Kidron Valley.
The Umariyya Boys School is built over the site of the Antonia Fortress that towered over the northwest corner of the Temple Mount. According to some traditions this is the place where Jesus was persecuted by Roman soldiers and condemned to death by Pilate. BUT, it is more probable that the condemnation of Jesus took place at Herod the Great’s Palace where Pilate probably resided when he visited Jerusalem—it was located near Jaffa Gate.
Because of this tradition, this site is the beginning of the Via Dolorosa.
For a view of the interior of the school Click Here.
For an important description and commentary on the significance of the Via Dolorosa Click Here.