The word Lithostrotos means "pavement".

The site of the Ecce Homo Convent contains important remains from Roman times.
Archaeological studies lead us to believe that the Convent is built just north of the Antonia Fortress. This fortress, built on a rock platform surrounded with a moat, from the north, as well enabling the Roman soldiers to control the Temple area. The following are among the best preserved remains in the country.

The Strouthion Pool

A canal constructed at the time of the Hasmoneans (2nd century BCE) provided water to the Temple Mount cisterns.
Herod destroyed part of the canal when he built a moat around the Fortress Antonia.

This pool was later vaulted over and turned into a cistern by Hadrian (2nd century CE).

A large portion of the Convent was constructed above the remains of the Strouthion Pool.

The Roman pavement

These large flat stones were laid by Adrian above the vault of the cistern. It served as a plaza and marketplace to Aelia Capitolina, the name that Adrian gave to his new city, built in 135 CE on the ruins of Jerusalem (which was destroyed by Titus in 70 CE). This pavement was made from the large courtyard stones of the Antonia which was destroyed in 70 CE.
 

The Arch

Adrian erected a triple arch as a gate to the plaza. The largest of these arches is known as the 'Ecce Homo Arch'.

It spans the Via Dolorosa and continues into the Basilica where the smaller northern section can be seen. Today this arch marks the place where the Church remembers the trial of Jesus before Pilate.

It is possible to visit the Lithostrotos alone or with a group every day from 8:00 am till 5:00 am.

We do give pamphlets, available in 18 languages, to the visitors. A donation is asked for the visit.