Jerusalem’s Municipality is taking advantage of the absence of pilgrims and tourists, renovating important pilgrimage sites.
Israel – Jerusalem (12/10/2021 12:21 PM, Gaudium Press) The Jerusalem municipality is taking advantage of the absence of pilgrims and tourists to reform a section of the revered Via Dolorosa. Restoration works are taking place on the segment between the 5th and the 7th stations.
Fewer Visitors, more renovations
As Israel has adopted strict health protocols due to the pandemic, the number of tourists and pilgrims in the area has seen a significant reduction. The Jerusalem municipality is taking the opportunity to restore some spots of the Holy City, namely some of the most visited locations.
In July, workers renewed the street facing the 8th station of the Way of the Cross. They replaced the stones -worn away by the pilgrims’ steps- with entirely new pieces.
Beginning in October, the goal is to renew the equally worn sidewalk connecting the 5th and the 7th stations. The restoration only takes place at night, starting at around 7 pm, and lasts until dawn.
According to a local businessman, the last renovation took place in the 1980s, when workers removed cobblestones dating from the Ottoman era. (FM)
With information from CathCH
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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