Western Wall
AbrahamicJewishbuildingMiddle East19 BCE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Western Wall (HaKotel HaMa'aravi)
Country
Israel
Region
Middle East
Coordinates
31.7767, 35.2345
Era
19 BCE - present
Site Type
Building
About
The last surviving retaining wall of Herod's Second Temple complex, the holiest site accessible to Jews for prayer.
Significance
Represents the enduring presence of the Temple and serves as the primary focus of Jewish prayer and pilgrimage worldwide.
History & Historical Arc
Built by Herod the Great around 20 BCE as part of the expanded Temple Mount; became a Jewish prayer site following the T…
Archaeological Notes
Excavations at the base have revealed stones from the Herodian period; the Davidson Center exposes original paving stone…
Key Features & Structures
- prayer plaza
- Southern Wall excavations
Visitor Information
Open 24/7; modest dress required; free admission to plaza; guided tunnel tours require advance booking.
Related Figures
Herod the GreatSolomonEzra
In the Bible
Bible Places
This location appears in the Bible as Jerusalem
View verse references, maps, and biblical history →
Source References
- 1 Kings 6
- Ezra 3
- Nehemiah 2