Western Wall
Early Jewish texts referred to a "western wall of the Temple", but there is doubt whether the texts … See more

Construction and destruction (19 BCE–70 CE)
According to the Hebrew Bible, Solomon's Temple was built atop what is known as the Temple Mount in … See more

Archaeology
At the southern end of the Western Wall, Robinson's Arch along with a row of vaults once supported stairs ascending from the street to the Temple Mount.
The so-called Isaiah Stone, located under Robinson's Arch, … See more

Prayer section vs. entire wall
The term Western Wall commonly refers to a 187-foot (57 m) exposed section of a much longer retaining wall, built by Herod on the western flank … See more

The new plaza created in 1967 is used for worship and public gatherings, including Bar mitzvah celebrations and the swearing-in ceremonies of newly full-fledged soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. Tens of thousands of Jews flock to the wall on the … See more

Archaeology
Transformation into worship area
In September 1983, U.S. Sixth Fleet Chaplain, Rabbi See more

History as place of prayer
Jews were banned from Jerusalem by the Roman authorities after the Second Jewish revolt (2nd century CE) and, although there are … See more