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Western Wall
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historical-site
The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel or Wailing Wall, is a remnant of the ancient retaining wall of the Second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Expanded under Herod the Great around 19 BCE, it is currently the holiest site where Jews are permitted to pray. The wall is constructed of massive limestone blocks, with the lower courses dating back to the Herodian period. Following the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, the wall survived as a profound symbol of Jewish connection to the Temple Mount. Pilgrims from across the globe traditionally place handwritten prayer notes into the crevices between the stones. The plaza in front of the wall functions as a religious center and a venue for significant national ceremonies. Excavations in the Western Wall Tunnels reveal further hidden sections of this monumental engineering feat.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Western Wall Observation Point · Temple model · Chain Gate
- Nearby: Modi'in (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 88 | 62 | 37 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 46 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Western Wall is open to all visitors; men and women have separate sections. It is an outdoor site that is continuously visited and prayed at.
Typical hours
The Western Wall is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. During Jewish holidays and Shabbat, certain areas may be restricted.
Photography
Photography is allowed, but avoid taking pictures in some areas on Shabbat and holidays. It is more respectful not to photograph people praying.
Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to one hour to visit the wall; longer if you want to place a prayer note in the cracks. The place invites contemplation.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the Temple Mount, Via Dolorosa, and the Old City of Jerusalem. All are walkable and form a unique historical route.
Getting there
The Western Wall is in the Old City of Jerusalem; accessible via Jaffa Gate or Dung Gate. From the central bus station (ZOB) it's about 20 minutes on foot.
Insider tip
Write a prayer or wish on a small piece of paper and place it in a crack of the wall. Women should wear a headscarf and men a head covering (kippah is provided on site).
Geography
Facts
- The visible section of the wall is 57 meters long.
- The total length of the Western Wall is 488 meters.
- The largest block, the Western Stone, weighs 570 tons.
- There are 28 courses of stone visible above ground.
- The Second Temple was destroyed by Romans in 70 CE.
- Access was restricted between 1948 and 1967.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Western Wall (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, access to the Western Wall is free.
Is photography allowed?
Yes on weekdays, but strictly forbidden on the Sabbath.
Is the Wall always open?
Yes, the prayer area is accessible 24 hours a day.
Are there separate sections?
Yes, there are separate sections for men and women.
Western Wall: where is it located?
Western Wall is located in Israel.
Western Wall: what is there to see?
Highlights include Western Wall Observation Point, Temple model, Chain Gate.
Western Wall: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Western Wall: why is it worth visiting?
The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel or Wailing Wall, is a remnant of the ancient retaining wall of the Second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.
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