Historical Significance
- Ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem built by Herod the Great.
- Originally erected as part of the Second Temple platform, on top of which stood the Jerusalem temple.
Political/Cultural Significance
- The wall is considered holy because of its connection to the Temple Mount and is the most sacred space where Jews are allowed to pray
- It has also been referred to as the “Wailing Wall” in reference to the practice of the Jews crying at the wall over the destruction of the temple.
- It has been considered a site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage since as early as the 16th Century
