Western Wall, Jerusalem

The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is a place of profound historical and spiritual significance located in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. This ancient limestone wall is a remnant of the Second Jewish Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Standing at over 18 meters high, the Western Wall is the most sacred site accessible to Jews for prayer and a symbol of Jewish resilience and endurance.

This iconic synagogue is not only a place of worship but also a pilgrimage destination for Jews from all around the world. It is customary for visitors to place written prayers into the crevices of the wall, a tradition that symbolizes the placing of one's personal thoughts and requests into the hands of the divine. The site is divided into separate sections for men and women, in accordance with Orthodox Jewish practice.

The Western Wall is the focal point of many Jewish festivals and life events, including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. It is also a place where soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces are sworn in, highlighting its national as well as religious importance.

Despite its name, the Western Wall is not the only extant part of the Temple Mount's retaining walls. Excavations have uncovered sections of the other walls, but none hold as much religious significance as the Western Wall.

Visitors are welcome at the Western Wall at all times, and its open plaza can accommodate thousands of people. The site is also adjacent to the Western Wall Tunnels, which allow visitors to explore underground parts of the wall and the complex history of the Temple Mount.