The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall or Kotel, is one of the holiest sites in Judaism. The lower section of the wall was built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BCE as part of his grand expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Herod, known for his ambitious construction projects, transformed the Temple Mount into a vast and magnificent complex, making it the spiritual and cultural center of Jewish life.
The wall stretches approximately 488 meters (1,601 feet), though only a portion is visible above ground. It is revered as the closest accessible point to the Holy of Holies, the most sacred part of the ancient temple.
For centuries, Jewish worshippers have gathered at the wall to pray, mourn the destruction of the temple in 70 CE by the Romans, and place written prayers in its cracks. The prayer area is divided into separate sections for men and women, following Orthodox Jewish tradition.
Today, the Western Wall remains a major pilgrimage site and a focal point for religious and national ceremonies, including bar mitzvahs, Jewish holidays, and Israeli military inductions. While it is a sacred site for Jews, it is also visited by people of all faiths, symbolizing both religious devotion and historical continuity.
The Western Wall Tunnel is the extension of the Western Wall. It is the western part of a retaining wall built by King Herod to support the extended platform he constructed for the enlargement and restoration of the Second Temple.
The mosque was built in 691 by the Chalif Abed el Malek above the rock venerated by Muslims as the site from which Mohamed ascended to heaven. The Dome of the Rock is located at the center of a platform known in English as the Temple Mount and in Arabic as Al-Haram al-Sharif, (The Noble Sanctuary). It was constructed on the site of the Second Jewish Temple, which was destroyed during the Roman Siege of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
The traditional site of the crucifixion of Jesus and the location of the tomb of Joseph of Aremethia. Today’s church is the fourth built on the same spot. The first was constructed by Queen Helena, the mother of the emperor Constantine in the 4th century. The last was constructed by the Crusaders (July 15th, 1143). The site is venerated as Calvary (Golgotha), where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, and also includes the place where Jesus is said to have been buried and resurrected. Within the church are the last five Stations of The Cross along the Via Dolorosa.
A garden where Jesus returned several times with his disciples; the last time being after the Last Supper in order to pray (Mark 14: 32-52). Today the Catholic Church of all Nations, built in 1924, stands next to the garden.
King David’s Tomb is the traditional burial site of King David. The tomb is located in the corner of a room situated on the ground floor remains of a 5th century Byzantine basilica also known as Hagia Zion.
Christian tradition holds that the room on the second floor, above the traditional burial site of King David, is where Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover meal known as the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-16). It is also believed by many to be the place where the Holy Spirit came down from heaven on the disciples and others on the Pentecost, which is the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (acts 2:2).
An ancient tomb located near the Damascus Gate believed by many to be the place where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected from. “So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb…” (Mark 15:46).
The City of David is an archaeological site and national park offering a glimpse into Jerusalem’s earliest days. It includes significant archaeological finds such as ancient fortifications, water systems like Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and the Pool of Siloam. The site offers insights into the early development of Jerusalem and its significance in Jewish history. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a focal point for archaeological research.
Established around a natural spring over 3,000 years ago. This spring, the Gihon Spring, is still visible today and was a major factor in making Jerusalem a strategically important city.King David conquered the city, then called Jebus, around 1000 BCE. He renamed it Jerusalem and made it the capital of the united kingdom of Israel.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel: This 2,700-year-old water tunnel is an engineering marvel. Walk through the waist-deep water (be prepared to get wet!) or take the dry route and experience this ancient passage.
Warren’s Shaft: Descend into this vertical shaft, originally used to access the Gihon Spring, a vital water source for Jerusalem.
The Pool of Siloam: This ancient pool was fed by Hezekiah’s Tunnel and used for religious rituals.
Large Stone Structure: Some archaeologists believe it was a palace built by King David, See the massive stone foundations and ponder its mysteries.
Pilgrimage Road: Uncover a recently excavated 2,000-year-old road. Imagine pilgrims walking this path on their way to the Second Temple. Explore its well-preserved sections and imagine the bustling life of Jerusalem in this era.
