Jerusalem Attractions
The Western Wall © Allon Raveh
Western Wall (HaKotel HaMaaravi)
The Western Wall, known to non-Jews as the Wailing Wall, is the
most sacred Jewish site of prayer in the world, the place where
thousands of worshippers gather year round to pray and even leave
prayers folded into its crevices. The 1,916ft (584m) wall is all
that remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, built in 30BC by
King Herod. It is made up of enormous stone blocks and serves as a
tribute to the scale of workmanship in past eras. Following
Orthodox Jewish practise the praying sections have been separated
for men and women. Men are required to wear a skullcap (kippah) and
women must be modestly dressed. On Fridays, the Jewish Shabbat or
Sabbath, the men's section particularly pulsates with the songs and
prayers of the faithful, for in principle the whole area is an
Orthodox synagogue. The wall is also sacred to Muslims who believe
that it is where the prophet Mohammed tied up his winged horse, Al
Burak, before ascending into heaven.
Address: Temple Mount, Old City;
Transport: Bus to Dung Gate;
Opening time: Daily 24 hours;
Admission: Free
