Western Wall
The Western Wall is a holy site for the Jewish people, a place for prayer and religious & national gatherings. The Western wall is one of four huge supporting walls built during the 1st century BCE, when Herod renovated the Second Temple. Herod created a huge courtyard on the Temple Mount, with the temple at its center. The original height of the Wailing Wall is around 30 meters, and it is half- kilometer long. It was built on top of the original stones of Jerusalem. Fillings and arches were built within the space between the walls and the mountain, and above them a paved 144 thousand- square- meter courtyard the size of 12 modern soccer fields was constructed.
The stones of the wall are chiseled in a way that is characteristic of the construction during the times of Herod the Great: The stone frame is chiseled, smoothed and a bit sunken, whereas the center of the stone protrudes outwards. The wall is made out of quarried stones of massive size. Their weight ranges from 2 to 5 tons. Those who stand near the wall will notice that each course of stones recedes around 3 cm inwards from the course under it. This building method was meant to strengthen and stabilize the wall.
During the 16th century, when the Jews’ pilgrimage to the Temple Mount was prohibited, the wall began to serve as a prayer place for them, a symbol of longing for the temple. A small alley lay at the foot of the wall, where Jews gathered, wishing to be as close as possible to the site of the destroyed temple. During the years in which Jerusalem was divided between Israel and the Kingdome of Jordan (1948-1967), access to the wall was prohibited. During this era, many Jewish pilgrims ascended to King David’s tomb in Mount Zion, in order to observe the Temple Mount from the building’s roof, hoping for a future return to praying at the Western Wall.
Soon after the end of the 6- day- war, masses flocked to the Jewish Quarter and, of course, to the Western Wall. Shortly after this, the houses of the Mughrabi neighborhood which were built adjoining the wall were destroyed, and the prayer plaza was created in its place.
Even today, many visit this place, which became a magnet for the Jewish people. Many tourists arrive here to visit and pray, many of them placing notes with requests between the cracks of the wall. Many ceremonies and events take place throughout the year at the Western Wall plaza: Bar Mitzva celebrations, special praying events and swearing in ceremonies of IDF soldiers.
It is highly recommended you visit the Western Wall Tunnels, which enable visitation of underground caverns and narrow corridors where the Western Wall is exposed throughout its length. It is also highly recommended that you visit the Chain of Generations Center, where a heart moving exhibition that presents the generations of Israel with breathtaking art works made out of layers of glass is located.
Recommended Tours & Activities near the Western Wall
Recommended restaurants near the Western Wall
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 11135 traveler reviews
Our time was limited here since we were on a pilgrimage, but this remnant of the temple is powerful regardless of how long you spend here. As an amateur photographer, I found it also a positive subject. It is a religious site, so I used a pocket camera and left the normal gear of...
MoreOur time was limited here since we were on a pilgrimage, but this remnant of the temple is powerful regardless of how long you spend here. As an amateur photographer, I found it also a positive subject. It is a religious site, so I used a pocket camera and left the normal gear of DSRL etc at home. My advice, pray at the wall first, soak up the atmosphere second, and photograph third. Be aware that men enter on the left. Practical tip: restrooms are large, clean, and sort of opposite the men's entrance.
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This was our second visit to the Western Wall - The Wailing Wall. Unfortunately, this visit we arrived on a holiday, or a Sabbath Day and the large crowds of reverent, prayerful Jewish prevented us from reaching all of the way to the Wall surface itself. (On our previous visit, it was very uncrowded...
MoreThis was our second visit to the Western Wall - The Wailing Wall. Unfortunately, this visit we arrived on a holiday, or a Sabbath Day and the large crowds of reverent, prayerful Jewish prevented us from reaching all of the way to the Wall surface itself. (On our previous visit, it was very uncrowded and we were able to approach the wall's surface itself. What an experience! Whether Christian or Jew, one cannot help but be awed and spiritually inspired by the ancient, over-2,000 year old structure. The seat of so much Old, and New, Testament history is an inspiration and spiritual evoking attraction for all!
LessThis is Judaism's holiest site but open for all religions, in fact Pope John Paull II famously visited it in 2000 in the hopes of improving Christian-Jewish relations. So, why not. There has been a lot of controversies regarding this Wall and a very delicate issue, too that could spark another rift with Muslim...
MoreThis is Judaism's holiest site but open for all religions, in fact Pope John Paull II famously visited it in 2000 in the hopes of improving Christian-Jewish relations. So, why not. There has been a lot of controversies regarding this Wall and a very delicate issue, too that could spark another rift with Muslim community with the Dome of the Rock just a stone's throw away. The Wall is divided into 2 sections, one for men and another for women. Men are usually to cover their heads with a kippah (skullcap) given free before you enter (but please just one kippah per pilgrim only). You can place your prayer requests on the crevices of the Wall. Of course, take lots of photos. Just be quiet, respectful and be mindful of the people who own it - our Jewish brothers.
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