Western Wall

The Western Wall, also known as the “Wailing Wall” or the “Kotel”, is the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, it is the last remaining outer wall of the ancient Jewish temple, and an incredibly important site of modern Israeli history. Thousands of people of all faiths journey to the wall every year to visit and recite prayers. Traditionally, these prayers are either spoken or written down and placed in the cracks of the wall. The wall splits into two sections, one area for males and the other for females.

Read more about tours to the Western Wall during your trip to Israel.

What Does the Western Wall Commemorate?

King Herod built this wall in 20 BCE during an expansion of the Second Temple. When the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 CE, the support wall survived. For hundreds of years, people prayed in the small area of the wall that could be seen. In 1967, following the Six Day War, Israelis dug below the ground of the wall, exposing two more levels. They also cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today.

The Western Wall is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Women and men should dress modestly in the Western Wall Plaza. To pray at the wall, women should have their legs and shoulders covered (scarves are provided at the site). Men should cover their head.

This important historical landmark is the location of various ceremonies in Israel, and you’ll frequently see new soldiers undergoing military inductions at the Wall. One of the best experiences a Jewish family can undertake is to have their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah at the Western Wall.

How to Visit the Western Wall

The Western Wall is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Israel. Not only to witness a structure that stood for over 2,000 years, but to see the thousands of people who come every day to pray at this important site.

There are multiple ways to incorporate a visit to the Western Wall into any Israel trip:

If you only have a couple of hours: Half-day Old City Walking Tour
Tour operates Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday; pick-up & drop-off from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
If you want to see more of Jerusalem: Full-day Jerusalem Walking Tour: Old City & New City
Tour operates Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday; pick-up & drop-off from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
If you’d like to visit Israel’s Holocaust museum: Jerusalem Old City & Yad Vashem Full Day Tour
Tour operates Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday; pick-up & drop-off from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
If you’d like to dive deep into Jewish history: City of David & Underground Jerusalem Day Tour
Tour operates Wednesdays; pick-up & drop-off from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
If you’d like to dive deep into Christian history: Jerusalem & Bethlehem Full Day Tour
Tour operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; pick-up & drop-off from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv

Want more ideas about what to see in that area? Check out these other highlights of the Jewish Quarter.

If you are looking for a private tour package for you and your family, find here some resources: our Jewish Heritage itineraries and our Bar/Bat Mitzvah itineraries.