- Address: Jerusalem, Israel;
- Places of interest: The Western Wall;
- Feature: divided into male and female half.
Usually the main square is associated with general fun and joy, but not in Israel . Here the most famous square of the country is in front of the Western Wall . Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come here to pray near the monumental sacred shrine, turn to God and touch the ruins of the great Temple, endowed with miraculous power.
History
The square in front of the Wailing Wall is adjacent to the Jewish Quarter and is on the list of the main sights of Jerusalem . Historians assume that it was built during the Roman rule. It is noteworthy that for all of its existence, the area has not undergone significant destruction. Paved with a stone many centuries ago, it has survived to this day almost in its original form. Only a few surface reconstructions were made.
The square in front of the Wailing Wall is a unique historical and architectural monument of its kind. It is a kind of traditional synagogue, located outside the walls. The square, which was once part of the First and then the Second Temple, remained the only "witness" of the sacred old times and therefore is of special value to every Jew. It is also a kind of symbol of reconciliation of believers of all faiths. There are many contradictions between Jews, Christians and Muslims about the history of origin, the role in religion and the purpose of the Western Wall, but they all come to this square to fulfill their sacred duty.
Also, the main city square is the place for holding ceremonial events of national and local scale. Residents of Jerusalem here celebrate the day of independence of the country, the liberation of the city, recruits of the IDF take the oath. During the fast in honor of the destruction of the Temples, Jews come to the square in front of the Wailing Wall to honor the memory of the great Jewish history. On these days, Lamentations of Jeremiah and other mourning melodies are heard everywhere. Also, near the Wall, an important event in the life of all Jewish children - Bar Mitzvah - is the achievement of the age of religious adulthood.
Information for tourists
- to the square in front of the Wailing Wall, you can pass from the Garbage Gate , through the Jewish Quarter or through a small tunnel near the information center;
- a mandatory requirement for all visitors - clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, as well as a headdress (the kip can be borrowed for a while from the caretakers);
- entrance to the square is free;
- if you came to the Wall on Saturday, please note that on this day it is strictly prohibited to smoke in public places, loudly talk, and also take pictures;
- men should go on the left side, women - on the right;
- walking around the square, try not to turn your back to the Wall.
How to get there?
You can get to the square in front of the Kotel Wall by getting there from the city by bus No. 1, 2 or 38.
You can get there by car, but be prepared for the parking space to be searched. Nearest parking: from the Jewish quarter, near the Jaffa Gate , near the mountain Sion , parking-zone "Givati" (near the Garbage Gate).