Western Wall

The Western Wall is part of the retaining structure of the Temple Mount complex expanded by King Herod the Great beginning around 20 BCE. It is one of the few surviving structures from the Second Temple period, which ended when the Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 CE. Herod's massive expansion project created the elevated plaza that still stands today.

The Western Wall is a retaining wall that supports the Temple Mount plaza, upon which the Second Temple stood before its destruction by Rome in 70 CE. The Temple Mount itself is the raised platform that today houses the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Western Wall is considered the closest accessible point to where the Temple's Holy of Holies is believed to have stood.

The term 'Wailing Wall' was popularized by English-language travelers in the 19th and early 20th centuries who observed Jewish worshippers weeping and praying at the site. Jewish communities generally do not use this term, preferring 'HaKotel HaMa'aravi' (the Western Wall) or simply 'the Kotel.' The site has been a continuous focal point for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage for centuries.

The Western Wall plaza is open to visitors of all faiths year-round and is administered by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. There are separate men's and women's prayer sections divided by a mechitza (partition) in accordance with Orthodox Jewish custom. Modest dress is requested, and the plaza is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.