Jerusalem - Thousands of Christian pilgrims flocked to Jerusalem Friday to retrace Jesus Christ's last steps to his crucifixion along the route known as the Via Dolorosa, in Jerusalem's Old City.

Watched by a heavy police presence, and led by Franciscan monks, the pilgrims, many carrying crosses or singing hymns, walked from the Monastery of Flagellation, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christians believe he was crucified and buried.

According to the New Testament, Jesus was sentenced and crucified on Good Friday, and rose from the dead three days later.

The number of pilgrims this year was lower than in the past, and store owners in the Old City complained that business has been slacker than in previous years.

Hotels in the holy city have also reported that they are not full.

Even before the official procession got underway, several groups retraced the route in the early morning, some walking barefoot, others carrying wooden crosses or singing hymns or crying, mingling with Palestinian traders and Jews on their way to the Western Wall.

The Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow), based on a route organized by Franciscan monk in the 14th century, has 14 stations, each marking an event which befell Jesus as he walked to his crucifixion. The final five stations are located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Orthodox Christians, who follow a different calender to Latin Christians, celebrate Easter on April 17.