BACK
Together with southeastern wall, comprises only remains of
enclosure of second temple. After destruction of Temple by Titus
in 70 CE was symbol of lost glory and consequently dubbed "Wailing Wall".
Since Jerusalem reunited under Jewish sovereignty in Six Day War it has
continued as open-air synagogue; the adjacent plaza is a forum for dancing
, singing and meeting.
Large limestone blocks are Herodian. Smaller stones added by
Byzantines, Arabs and Turks. Right-hand side for woman, left for men.
Vaulted arches screened from view on left known as Wilson's Arch,
which in Herodian times linked Temple Mount with Upper City.
More than 15 meters of wall lie beyond level and length runs past Via Dolorosa.
| Take a snapshot from the Wall camera! |
| Visit the Western Wall photo gallery | 
| The second Temple | 
|