See & do · Landmarks & architecture
Western Wall (Kotel)
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Images provided by Google Places
Remnant of the ancient wall of the Temple courtyard, a sacred site of Jewish prayer & pilgrimage.via Google
The last remaining retaining wall of the Second Temple, serving as the most sacred site for Jewish prayer.
- Good to know
- Free, open 24/7, modest dress required, separate prayer sections for men and women.
Reviews from Google
The Western Wall is one of those places that you feel more than you see. It’s deeply emotional, spiritual, and incredibly powerful. From the moment you arrive, there’s a strong energy in the air—people praying, crying, reflecting, writing wishes… it’s very moving, even if you’re not religious. The space is well organized and respectful, with separate areas for men and women. Security is present but smooth and calm, which helps keep the atmosphere safe without feeling overwhelming. You’re allowed to approach the wall, touch it, and place a written note between the stones, which makes the experience very personal and intimate. What I loved most is that it feels real and raw—this isn’t a staged attraction. It’s a living, breathing sacred place where faith, history, and humanity come together. You see people from all over the world, different ages, different stories, all sharing the same space. It’s intense, humbling, and unforgettable. One of those places that stays with you long after you leave. A must-visit in Jerusalem, no matter what you believe.
The place is well maintained. You can take a Kippa at the entrance. Be sure to check the Western wall tunnels if you have some time to discover more about the amazing history of this iconic place.
Standing in front of the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City feels like touching the heartbeat of history. It’s Judaism’s holiest accessible site, a profound historical place where millions come to pray, reflect, and connect across millennia. These ancient stones tower in the shadow of the Temple Mount, part of the massive retaining wall from the Second Temple era. The entire area pulses with spiritual energy, drawing people from all walks of life. The Full History: The Western Wall traces its roots to the First Temple built by King Solomon around 960 BCE, destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. Exiles returned and constructed the Second Temple around 516 BCE. King Herod the Great massively expanded the Temple Mount platform starting in 19 BCE, building the enormous retaining walls we see today, including the Western Wall’s massive Herodian stones (some weighing over 500 tons). The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE during the Jewish revolt, leaving only this western retaining wall standing as the closest accessible point to the ancient Holy of Holies. Over centuries, control shifted: Byzantines restricted Jewish access, Muslims allowed prayer after conquering in 638 CE, Crusaders banned Jews in 1099, Ottomans cleared space for worship in the 16th century. From 1948 to 1967, under Jordanian rule, Jews were barred entirely. Israeli forces reunited Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War, opening the site freely and creating the spacious plaza. Today, it’s a symbol of resilience, with ongoing archaeological discoveries like tunnels revealing more Herodian architecture. Today’s Adventure: Nothing prepares you for the emotion here. The plaza gets crowded, especially on Shabbat, holidays, or Fridays at sunset when thousands gather for welcoming the Sabbath. Go early morning or late evening for quieter moments. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered; men get kippahs at the entrance). The site is divided into men’s and women’s sections for prayer. Approach the wall, touch the weathered stones, and follow tradition by writing a personal note with prayers or wishes to tuck into the cracks (millions do this yearly). It’s free to visit the main plaza—no tickets needed—but book ahead for guided Western Wall Tunnels tours (fascinating underground extension) or the Chain of Generations Center. Nearby vendors offer souvenirs like menorahs or prayer books; haggle politely. The architecture amazes up close: those huge, precisely fitted blocks from 2,000 years ago, with paper notes fluttering in every crevice.
Visiting the Western Wall was a profoundly moving experience. Standing before its ancient stones, I felt a deep spiritual connection — a sense of holiness, history, and prayer that touched my soul. It was a moment of true inner peace and awe.
The most holy and special place I have ever been to, holy to Jews but also to anyone who wants to connect with our spirituality! It's something in the air that you feel is priceless!