- Address: Jerusalem;
- Start of construction: 19 BC;
- Height: 19 m;
- Phone: +972 2-627-1333;
- Site: thekotel.org.
Even those who have never been to Jerusalem have heard about the Wall of Wailing, the main shrine of Judaism, to which, however, a representative of any religion can approach. One of the most famous landmarks in the world is interesting for its history and has a certain mystery. The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem attracts many pilgrims who seek to make a wish or pray to God alongside her.
The Western Wall is a story
What is now a shrine to the Jews of the whole world, was first part of the Second Temple. It was built by Herod the Great, but the work was completed after his death. The temple was destroyed by the Romans during the First Jewish War, but it left a piece of a wall approximately 57 m long. This is the modern Wall of Wailing ( Israel ).
The rest is hidden behind the residential buildings. The history of the shrine simply amazes the imagination of ordinary people. At the beginning of the New Era the Jews were forbidden to approach it, it was allowed only on special holidays, so the believers turned to the Byzantine empress Elia Evdokiya, who allowed them to pray at the Wall.
In subsequent years, the construction was completed and acquired a large scale. By the order of Sultan Suleiman I Magnificent the area around it was built up, special conditions were created for the performance of the prayer services. In 1877, Jews attempted to redeem the Moroccan Quarter, through which the entrance to the holy place was made. But it was not possible to reach a common agreement with the people, and in 1915 the Jews were again forbidden to approach the Western Wall.
Jerusalem, the Wailing Wall, whose history has known many bloody clashes, is now one of the most visited places. It was near the main shrine that the Hebron massacre occurred as a result of the conflict between Muslims and Jews. The final return of the shrine became possible in 1967 thanks to David Ben-Gurion.
The Wailing Wall - interesting facts
For foreign visitors of the city, the Jewish rituals held near the shrine seem a bit strange. Jews swing on their heels, while making short inclinations forward, while reading the sacred texts, so you should be ready for an incredible buzz.
Faith in the miraculous powers of the Wailing Wall is inherent not only to the Jews. All tourists who come to Jerusalem are sent here to put a note with desire.
The most important thing is that when you are in Jerusalem, it is not worth mentioning the name of the landmark loudly. To say: "The Wailing Wall" means to offend a Jew, it is better to use another common name - "The Western Wall". It is very logical, because it proceeds from the location of the shrine. Tourists visit a certain area - " Square of the Western Wall ". It is interesting that the territory is divided by a partition into male and female parts. If everyone is accustomed to such a division in Islam, then few expected it from Judaism.
To get to the sights, you do not need to buy a ticket, admission is free, but for a tour of the tunnels you have to pay about $ 8.5 for an adult and $ 4.25. The Wailing Wall is accessible to visitors all year round, and the tunnels operate in the following mode - from Sunday to Thursday - from 7am to the evening, and on Friday - from 7am to noon.
How to correctly write a note in the Western Wall?
A lot of tourists who come on holiday in Jerusalem , necessarily leave a note in the Wailing Wall with the most intimate desire. This tradition was born more than three centuries ago. At the same time, some pilgrims drove the carnations and scratched the desire with stones.
In order to save the attraction from destruction, the rabbis were asked to replace such barbarous methods with notes. It is better to prepare them in the hotel or at home, because to write something worthwhile near the Wailing Wall will not work.
Desire can be anything - the main thing is to present the thought directly and openly. Do not be afraid that strangers read the message to God, someone else's notes are forbidden to be taken out of the wall. You can not ask for something bad - revenge, death or disaster for someone, do not ask for great wealth. If you have shelter and food, then God has given you enough, but you can ask for health and happiness as long as you want.
From time to time, the accumulated notes are extracted, and with them a rite is held on the Mount of Olives . If you are interested in the Western Wall, in which city you would not be, with the help of special websites you will be able to put a note. Volunteers print out the text and carry it to a holy place. People send also paper letters marked "Most High".
Additional information about the attractions
The Wailing Wall, the photo of which is in huge numbers on the Internet, makes a special impression in the living. To bring the fulfillment of desire even closer, and also to take care of spiritual peace, it is worth bringing a red thread.
The red thread from the Wailing Wall is a souvenir that has absorbed the energy of the holy place. This is the best guard from the evil eye, it is worn by many celebrities and ordinary people. If there is a Wailing Wall in the list of tourist stops, the red thread is what you need to buy first. It is sold at every step about the construction of whole strands.
The Mystery of the Wailing Wall exists, and not one! This and many other things are written in the book of Peter Lubkimmonson. It describes the shrine through the eyes of the Jews, Muslims, and also tells about laws and regulations, how to behave next to the shrine.
Where is the Western Wall?
To see the sacred place, take bus number 1, 2 or 38, coming from the central station, and get off at the stop of The Western Wall. To guess that you are moving in the right direction will help a huge crowd of people heading to the Wailing Wall, just follow them. The ticket costs approximately $ 1.4.
If you prefer walking, you can reach the holy place from the bus station in 50 minutes.