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The Western Wall is the surviving western retaining wall of the ancient Herodian Temple Mount. It is the most sacred place of prayer open to the Jewish people, and a deeply moving place of reflection for Christians too.
The great stones at the base date to the Temple that stood in the time of Jesus. For two thousand years people have come to pray here, and the custom of placing written prayers in the cracks between the stones continues to this day.
The plaza before the wall is alive with prayer at all hours, and the sight of it moves visitors of every faith.
Because it is part of the Temple Jesus knew and taught in, and because it is one of the most powerful places of prayer in the world.
Jesus walked and taught in the Temple that this wall supported. Standing here connects pilgrims to the world of the Gospels. "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." (Isaiah 56:7)
Many Christian pilgrims write their own prayer and place it in the wall, a quiet and personal moment within the journey.
Yes. People of all faiths are welcome to approach and pray. Men and women pray in separate sections, as is the custom.
Men cover their heads at the wall, and paper head coverings are provided free at the entrance. Modest dress is expected for everyone.
Yes. Writing a prayer on paper and placing it in a crack between the stones is a long-standing custom open to all visitors.
Holy Sites
Tell us which sites you hope to see and we will shape a journey around them.
