Western Wall
Yerushalayim
The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is an ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem and one of Judaism's most sacred sites. It is the last remaining remnant of the Second Temple's retaining walls, originally built around 19 BCE under Herod the Great. The Wall is located on the western side of the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, where the First and Second Temples once stood. The site has profound religious significance, believed to be the closest accessible place to the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary of the ancient Temple. For centuries, Jews have gathered here to pray and insert written prayers or wishes into the cracks between the stones, a tradition dating back to at least the early 18th century. The Western Wall is not only a place of spiritual connection but also a symbol of Jewish endurance and identity. It draws millions of visitors annually, including pilgrims, tourists, and dignitaries from around the world. The site is managed by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, which also facilitates various religious ceremonies such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Despite its religious centrality, the Wall exists within the complex political and historical context of Jerusalem's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site with significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. Modest dress is required, and separate prayer sections for men and women are enforced. It is advisable to book guided tours or religious ceremonies like Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in advance through the official Western Wall website. Note that during Jewish holidays, the site can be extremely crowded or partially restricted. Online services allow sending prayer notes to be placed in the Wall for those unable to visit in person. Security checks are standard, so allow extra time for entry.
Interesting facts
- •The custom of placing prayer notes in the Wall's cracks started in the early 18th century and has grown to hundreds of thousands annually.
- •Several Popes, including John Paul II and Benedict XVI, have placed prayer notes in the Wall, despite it being a Jewish tradition.
- •The Wall is part of the retaining walls of the Temple Mount, not the actual Temple structure itself.
- •Twice a year, before Rosh Hashanah and Passover, the notes are respectfully collected and buried in a Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives.
- •The Western Wall is visited by millions each year, including prominent figures such as U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
History
The Western Wall dates back to the Second Temple period, constructed under Herod the Great around 19 BCE as part of the expansion of the Temple Mount.
It survived the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, remaining as a sacred remnant.
The tradition of placing prayer notes into the Wall began in the early 18th century, rooted in the Jewish belief that the Divine Presence rests upon the Wall.
Throughout history, the Wall has symbolized Jewish resilience, especially after the Jewish population was expelled from the Old City in 1948.
Following the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel regained control of the Old City and the Wall, reestablishing it as a central site of Jewish worship and pilgrimage.
Today, the Wall continues to be a focal point of Jewish prayer and national identity.
Place Guide
Prayer Plaza
The open area in front of the Western Wall where visitors gather to pray, reflect, and place notes between the stones. It is divided into men's and women's sections to respect religious customs.
The Wall Itselfcirca 19 BCE
Composed of massive limestone blocks from the Herodian period, the Wall is revered as the closest accessible site to the Holy of Holies of the ancient Temple.
Prayer Notes Collection
Twice yearly, the accumulated prayer notes are carefully removed and buried in a Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, respecting their sacred nature.
Contact
Phone: 02-627-1333
