Western Wall and Tunnels

The Western Wall and Tunnels

A remnant of the Temple platform

The Western Wall, or Kotel, is a surviving section of the retaining wall of the Second Temple's platform, and it is the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray. Jews were barred from it under Jordanian rule from 1948 to 1967, and after Israel captured the Old City in the Six-Day War the plaza was cleared and opened. Separate sections serve men and women. Beneath neighboring buildings, the Western Wall Tunnels reveal the length of the wall, including a stone weighing about 570 tons, an ancient aqueduct, and Roman and Herodian streets.

Glossary: The Western Wall and Tunnels