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Home > Attractions > The Small Western Wall (Hakotel Hakatan)

The Small Western Wall (Hakotel Hakatan)

Shaar Habarzel, Jerusalem
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The massive wall visible on the eastern side of the courtyard, on the right side of those entering it, is part of the Western Wall that remained exposed, despite the crowded Mameluke buildings that are adjacent to the Temple Mount and conceal most parts of the Western Wall.

The Western Wall is one of four huge supporting walls which were meant to support the courtyard of the Temple Mount. The Walls and the courtyard of the Temple Mount were built by Herod during the 1^st century BCE, with the intention to expand and glorify the Second Temple, which was built by the returnees of Zion. The original height of the Western Wall was around 30 meters, and its length- around half a kilometer.

This section of the wall is situated around 175 meters from the Western Wall’s courtyard. Many of the Muslim Quarter houses were built during the 13^th century, in the Mameluke era. These houses were built on the western side of the Western Wall, above arches, thereby equalizing the height of those living outside the temple mount with that of the Temple Mount compound.

The houses of the Muslim Quarter conceal most parts of the Western Wall, and the existence of this small part section of it is a surprise for many visitors.

Near By (Up to 10 minutes walk)