west wall tunnel tour

The Western Wall Tunnels

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The Western Wall Tunnels - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Western Wall & Western Wall Tunnel

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Places of Interest

1. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall (because the Jews weep here during their prayers), is located on the western side of the Temple Mount. 

2. The Western Wall Tunnel is accessed on the northern side of the Western Wall Plaza and runs north to the end of the Temple Mount Platform.

Historical Background

1. When the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 AD, part of the western side of the Temple Mount Platform survived. For hundreds of years prior to 1967, people prayed in the small area of the wall that could be seen at that time. However, in 1967, following the Six-Day War, Israelis excavated below the ground level of the wall and found two more stone rows. They then cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today. 

2. The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall, or support wall, that Herod the Great built in 19 BC when he enlarged the Temple Mount complex in order to accommodate a larger temple and Temple Mount area. It was a massive undertaking that required exceptional and sophisticated engineering.

3. Unlike many think, the Western Wall was not part of the wall of the temple King Herod Built.

1. In the Western Wall Plaza area, a walkway bridge can be seen that tourists use to access the Temple Mount.

2. The Western Wall Plaza is divided into two sections: a men’s and a women’s section.

3. The area close to the wall is considered a synagogue, so men must wear a head covering when entering the men’s section.

4. Most Jews do not enter on the Temple Mount for fear of unknowingly walking in the place where the Holy of Holies might have been. Plus, Muslims do not want them entering there as well.

5. The Western Wall Plaza is the closest large public area to the temple and Holy of Holies for the Jews. Therefore, it is their most holy site.

6. On the northern side of the Western Wall is Wilson’s Arch, which is the modern name for a stone arch whose top is still visible today. It once supported a bridge that provided access to a gate that was level with the surface of the Temple Mount during the time of Jesus. Under this arch is a synagogue where Jews pray and read the Scriptures.

7. The Western Wall Plaza is only 10% of the entire western wall of the Temple Mount Platform. The majority of the wall is accessed by entering what is called “The Western Wall Tunnels.” We will see that part shortly.

8. The entire length of the Western Wall is 1,575 ft. long (480 m.), almost a third of a mile (.53 km.). 

9. South of the Western Wall are stones that the Romans cast down when they destroyed the city in 70 AD. under the leadership of the Roman General, Titus.

10. The broken pavement of the street that the massive stones crushed when they fell is sobering to see.

11. Burn marks remain on some of the stones as a result of fire from the Roman conquest of the city in 70 AD.

12. There are remains of shops that were part of a large shopping plaza at the southern part of the Western Wall.

13. This is the same wall that Jesus and His disciples would have seen.

14. On the Southern Stair entrance to the temple is where Jesus would have taught His disciples and entered the Temple Mount area.

15. At the southernmost end of the Western Wall is a significant stone that stood upon the uttermost southwestern corner of the Temple Mount.

It has words written in Hebrew that mean “The Trumpeter’s House.”

A priest would stand at this corner announcing the beginning of the Sabbath and other festival days the Jews celebrated with a loud trumpet blast.

Western Wall Tunnel

1. In order to build the temple on the mountain top of Mount Moriah, there had to be erected supporting walls that could be filled in, so there was a large flat place (platform) upon which to build. King Solomon first did this when he constructed the first temple in around 950 BC. When the temple was rebuilt under Zerubbabel (537-515 BC), this same platform was used. Later, in 19 BC, King Herod began rebuilding a new massive temple. In order to do this, he had to enlarge the Temple Mount Platform immensely. When he was done, it measured 985 x 1,575 feet (300 x 480 m.), or the equivalent of 35 football fields in size (35 acres, 14 hectares).

2. King Herod put 10,000 men to work and trained 1,000 priests as masons so they could work on the most sacred parts of the temple. The building was begun in 19 B.C. and finished in 10 years, but the work of decoration was not completed until 64 AD. 

3. The temple King Herod built on this massive Temple Mount Platform was enormous in size. Nothing in the known world at that time compared to it in size and beauty. For comparison’s sake, the temple Herod built was three times the size of the Dome of the Rock (which measures 65 feet wide x 115 feet high or 20 x 35 m.), which can be seen today.

4. In 70 AD, six years after the temple was fully completed, the Romans burned down and destroyed the temple at Jerusalem, and it has never been rebuilt since.

5. Located beside the Western Wall Tour Entrance on the left side, or northern side of the Western Wall is a synagogue. Here Jews gather to study, read, and pray. This is one of the Jew’s most holy synagogues because of its proximity to the original temple wherein the Holy of Holies resided.

6. At the beginning of the Western Wall Tunnel Tour Entrance is a room where the tour begins. Here, tour guides give an overview of the temple Solomon built, the temple Zerubbabel oversaw, and then the temple King Herod built. The history of the Western Wall is meshed in with the history of the temples that once resided next to the Western Wall.

7. Walking along the Western Wall Tunnel, what is known as the master course of stones can be seen. These are some of the first rows of cut stones that support the Temple Mount Western Wall. The largest stone found in the Western Wall measures 44 ft. (13.4 m.) in length (longer than a Greyhound bus). It’s almost 12 ft. (3.66 m.) high (taller than a semi-truck trailer). Its width is 14 ft. (4.26 m.) (almost as wide as some highways). It weighs over 600 tons (equivalent to 200 elephants, or ten tanks, or two 747 jumbo jets, including the people and their luggage). There is no machine big enough today to lift it. It was carved outside the city and then placed here. The stones were carved and placed with such precision that not even a credit card will fit between the joints. By comparison, the largest stones in the Egyptian Pyramids are 15 tons.

8. We next come to what is called Warren's Gate. This is the closest place along the Western Wall to where the temple used to be. It is, therefore, according to the Jews, the holiest place in the Western Wall. Just 200 ft. (61 m.) towards the east is where the temple was originally located.

9. The bedrock of the Western Wall of the Temple Mount can be seen as well. The masons who laid the great stones to build the Western Wall chiseled the bedrock of the mountain to make them look like they were stones, but in reality, they are the bedrock of the mountain upon which the Western Wall rests.

10. Next, the tiles of the original floor where Jesus likely walked are visible in the tunnel. 

11. Continuing along the Western Wall Tunnel is a Hasmonean aqueduct built over 2,200 years ago, which was 200 years before Christ. 

12. At the northern end of the Western Wall Tunnel is the Struthion Pool, where water was stored for use in the city of Jerusalem. 

Faith Lesson from the Western Wall

1. It's sad that the closest large meeting area the Jews can get to the place where the original temple used to be located is the Western Wall, which in reality, is just part of the supporting wall of the Temple Mount.

2. It’s sad that because of the Jew’s repeated refusal to heed God’s warnings to obey and follow Him that He sent judgments upon Israel and Jerusalem.

3. It's sad that because the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah, Jesus prophesied Jerusalem would be destroyed. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. The reality of this destruction is the overarching fact that can be seen all along the Western Wall.

4. Because of the Jew’s continual disobedience to God, He prophesied that the Jews would be scattered to the four corners of the earth. This was fulfilled in 70 AD.

5. God also prophesied that He would bring the Jews back to their homeland in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948.

6. According to many passages in the Bible, God still has a plan for the Jews. He said He would bring them back to their homeland after being scattered for thousands of years. He also says that during the Great Tribulation Period that many Jews, if not most of them, will recognize that Jesus is indeed their Messiah and turn to Him in repentance.

7. Amazingly, we see the first prophecy fulfilled in that the Jews returned to their homeland and have their own country back. Many civilizations have occupied the Holy Land, but God has fulfilled prophecy in bringing the Jews back to their homeland today.

8. The stones here cry out that God’s Word is true and is verifiable through the fulfillment of these prophecies.

9. At the Southern Stair entrance area of the Temple Mount is a sad but very true saying, “The Jerusalem Stone, so resilient and supple, bows to the transient follies of humankind, bearing a testimony like a hundred witnesses, and yet, remains silent.”

10. We find in all that has happened to the Jews a powerful and sobering message for us today. Obedience brings God’s blessings, but disobedience brings His discipline.  1 Corinthians 10:11–12: Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.  

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We bring israel to your living room and your classroom, with a live guide chosen to suit you., [ choose from 4 different exciting tour options ], photo taken by noam chen for the israeli ministry of tourism, a private virtual tour the western wall tunnels live 360, שאולה הייטנר, מתוך אתר פיקיויקי, behind the scenes new discoveries at the western wall.

Special New Tour – A 3D virtual tour that offers a fascinating glimpse into the new underground discoveries excavated recently in the Western Wall area Over the past several years, the Western Wall has undergone extensive development work during which subterranean spaces have been revealed that are astoundingly beautiful and rich in archaeological remnants dating back to the First Temple period through to today. We invite you to join us on a fascinating virtual tour in a live broadcast with an expert guide. The tour includes entrances to halls uncovered deep underground, some of which are not yet open to the public. A tour of the Western Wall’s New Discoveries allows you a first glimpse behind the scenes at the Western Wall and to Underground Jerusalem – an intriguing and unfamiliar world where there is so much left to discover. This new tour is a unique attraction offered now for the first time as a virtual tour for groups in Israel and around the world. The tour includes models, sketches, and photographs from the new excavations that are currently underway in the level underneath the Western Wall Tunnels. The tour is about an hour and a quarter long. 

A Private Virtual Tour The Jewish Quarter LIVE 360

A guided, 3-dimensional virtual tour among the alleys of the Jewish Quarter and the Old City of Jerusalem, including visits to fascinating historic heritage sites – all without leaving the comfort of your home You have never taken a tour like this – A guided tour of Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter from your own living room! The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is proud to present the Jewish Quarter LIVE 360 virtual tour with your very own guide taking you through the magical alleys of the Jewish Quarter. Special crews recently filmed the enchanting alleys of the Jewish Quarter using high-quality, three-dimensional technology. We invite you to join us on an experiential virtual tour with your own guide, starting at Jaffa Gate, going through the roads of the Jewish Quarter, and ending up at the Western Wall Plaza. In addition to the alleys of the Old City, we will take you on a virtual tour of major sites, such as King David’s Tomb, the complex of the four Sephardic synagogues, the Batei Machseh square, the Roman Cardo, the Old Yishuv Court Museum, and more… The tour also includes a unique and incredible view of the Temple Mount area and the Western Wall from a high and unfamiliar vantage point in the Jewish Quarter. The tour is guided by the best of Jerusalem’s guides who can answer your questions in real-time. The tour is suitable for groups or individuals and also uses innovative film clips and illustrations.

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A guided, 3D virtual tour among the picturesque alleyways of the new neighborhoods built outside the Old City walls – Mishkenot Sha’ananim and Yemin Moshe A virtual tour of the picturesque neighborhoods of Mishkenot Sha’ananim and Yemin Moshe – as you’ve never seen them before! Many Jerusalem neighborhoods have been built in recent years, but the first one to be established outside the Old City in modern times is Mishkenot Sha’ananim. A virtual tour of this historic neighborhood’s houses is an especially fascinating Jerusalem experience. We begin the tour at the unique windmill that stands at the top of the Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighborhood. We will tell its story and move on to one of the most magnificent lookout points in Jerusalem with a view toward the Old City walls. We will go down the neighborhood’s charming streets and continue on to the adjacent Yemin Moshe neighborhood, ending the tour at its lower section – the Ben Hinom Valley. During the tour, we will become acquainted with the history of these neighborhoods over the past 150 years. We will learn about the part they played in the wars to establish the State of Israel and about their historic importance in making Jerusalem the capital city of the Jewish nation. You will also see historic photos, as well as an original short clip about the first days of the first neighborhood to be established outside the Old City walls. The tour is about an hour-long

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem

The Western Wall, (Wailing Wall or Kotel), stands as one of the most iconic and revered sites in the world. Located in Jerusalem’s Old City, this ancient limestone wall is the last remaining remnant of the four supporting walls that surrounded the Second Temple on Temple Mount. The Temple was destroyed in 70AD, and only this wall remains. As such, it is a site of profound religious and historical significance for Jews worldwide.

Since the destruction of the Temple, the Western Wall has been a source of inspiration and a site that keeps the memory of the Temple alive. The Kotel is always included in tours of Jerusalem and should be seen whether you are a pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler.  Here is all you need to know before visiting the Western Wall.

Western Wall Basics

Open Hours: 24/7

Location: The Western Wall is within the Old City of Jerusalem. The closest gate to the wall is the Dung Gate and from there it is just a few meters away.

Facilities: There is a parking lot near the Kotel but it is rare to find a parking space in this area. If you have to come by car then try finding a parking spot by the Zion Gate, and walk from there. Otherwise, use public transport. In the Western Wall Plaza there are public toilets.

Time Required for a visit: 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on how much time you wish to spend there. :

Wall Dimensions: 488-meters long, 40-meters high. There are 28 rows of stones above ground, and most of the massive stones are from the original Temple. The wall extends below ground level and part of it has been excavated and can be seen in the Western Wall Tunnels.

What to Expect at the Western Wall

The Western Wall faces a large plaza where you’ll see people standing around, taking photos, chatting, or just looking at the wall. As you come closer to the wall you’ll see that the wall is divided into two sections, one for women and one for men. In the past there has been a small section set aside for mixed-gender, egalitarian prayer. But this section (called Ezrat Israel) is often closed. Approach the wall on the appropriate side, and walk straight up the wall. There are a few chairs where you can sit, or you can go directly to the wall and touch it. Then, if you have a piece of paper and a pen on you you can write a prayer note, and place it in the crevices of the wall. Most of the religious Jews visiting the wall will be praying, but there are also plenty of non-religious Jews, and gentiles who come to touch and see the wall. When you leave the area close to the Kotel it is customary to take a few steps backward, before turning your back on the wall.

Accepted Behavior When Visiting the Western Wall

When visiting the Western Wall, it is important to dress respectfully, as it is a place of worship and deep spiritual significance. The dress code is relatively straightforward, both men and women should dress modestly. Women are expected to cover their shoulders and not show cleavage. Either wear a skirt or dress that covers the knees, or you can wear long pants. Don’t visit the Western Wall in shorts or short skirts. Men should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts. It is customary for men to wear a kippah (skullcap) while at the Western Wall. If you do not have one, they are often available for visitors to use at the entrance. Women can cover their heads but many do not.

Quiet and Respectful Behavior

 Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor while at the Western Wall. This is a place of prayer and reflection for many, so it’s essential to be considerate of those who are engaged in worship. You can take photos, but don’t get in anyone’s face, and try to do it discreetly without disturbing anyone who is praying. Eating in the area immediately in front of the Western Wall is not allowed.

Special Times to Visit the Western Wall

While the Western Wall is open to visitors throughout the year, there are certain times when the experience can be especially meaningful or unique. If you visit on Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday until sundown) you will see locals coming to the Kotel for the Shabbat prayer services. This is a moving experience, with families gathered to welcome the day of rest. Arrive before sundown on Friday to witness the lively Kabbalat Shabbat prayers.

Similarly, on Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, and Sukkot there are special services at the Western Wall. These times offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and fervent atmosphere.

On Mondays and Thursdays you can often see families at the Western Wall celebrating their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvahs: The Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony at the Western Wall is a touching experience and is often accompanied by music.

Jerusalem Day is celebrated in late May or early June, and commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. The Western Wall Plaza hosts various events and celebrations on this day.

The Western Wall Tunnels:

To deepen your understanding of the Western Wall’s historical significance, don’t miss the chance to explore the Western Wall Tunnels. These underground passageways offer a fascinating journey through time. The tunnels reveal the foundations of the Second Temple, including massive stone blocks, ancient streets, and ritual baths, providing insights into daily life during the time of the Temple. Visitors can walk alongside the Western Wall’s massive stones below ground level, coming closer to the holiest part of the site.

To fully appreciate the significance of the Western Wall Tunnels, it’s advisable to join a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides share historical and archaeological insights, making the experience even more enriching. The entrance to the Western Wall Tunnels is from the Western Wall Plaza, and tickets should be booked in advance online.

Jerusalem’s Top Attraction

When discussing Jerusalem’s top attractions the Western Wall is usually among the top three. It really should not be missed, no matter what religion you are. A visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem is a profound and memorable experience and will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

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Western Wall Tunnels, Jerusalem – Visitors Guide

The Western Wall Plaza shows only a small part of the wall. The Western Wall Tunnels offer tours of the underground sections.

Table of Contents

• 2 Directions
• 3 Restrooms
• 4 Opening Hours
• 5 Entrance Fee
• 7 Tours at the Western Wall Tunnels
• 8.1 The Bridge
• 8.2 Magnificent Building
• 8.3 Mikvehs
• 8.4 Wilson’s Arch
• 9.1 The Hall of Ages
• 10 The Great Stone Route

Western Wall Tunnels are located by the Western Wall within the Old City Of Jerusalem . Dung Gate is the closest, but you can reach it from any entrance.

Directions for drivers: Link to Waze and Link to Google Maps Directions for public transport: Link to Moovit

Interactive map of the area:

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You can find the following map in several places in the Old City of Jerusalem .

Note: you can click on the map to enlarge it.

On the map above, the Western Wall is marked as #31 in square I10. And Western Wall Tunnels is located a little to the northwest (in the same square).

There are three entrances to the Western Wall plaza. And each entry is also an exit. Two of them are near Dung Gate, and one is in front of the Kotel (if you stand near the man’s area and turn around, you will see an entry on top of the stairs behind you). And though the Dung gate is the closest one, since you will probably visit other sites in the Old City , you can use any entrance to reach the Western Wall. For detailed directions, check the Old City Of Jerusalem .

There are big restrooms near the men’s entrance to the Wailing Wall. If the Western Wall is straight ahead, the toilets will be to your left.

Opening Hours

You must join one of the tours to visit the Western Wall Tunnels. Tours are available on Sunday – Thursday and half a day on Friday.

You can book a tour at the official site .

Entrance Fee

Adult: 38 NIS Child / Soldier / Student / People with Disabilities / Senior Citizen: 25 NIS

Note: entrance fees were updated in July 2023.

As mentioned, you book a tour at the official site . And you should arrive at least ten minutes before the designated time. Several minutes before the start time, a local guide will come and call your group (group size is 18 – 35 participants).

Note: there are three different experiences. They are “The Journey to Jerusalem,” “The Chain of Generations Center,” and “A Look into the Past.” These are not tours with a guide but more “technological experiences” (like virtual reality).

Tours at the Western Wall Tunnels

Over the last fifteen years, I have probably joined five tours at the Western Wall Tunnels. On my first visit, we joined the classical tour (now called “The Great Stone Route”). We joined special tours during holidays several times, and in 2023, we participated in the Great Bridge Route.

And over time, you can see new findings and newly excavated areas. Moreover, I learned something new from each guide. Hence, we keep coming back every several years.

Another plus of the tunnels is that they are underground. Thus, you can visit all year round, regardless of the weather (both during the hot summer days or rainy winter days).

In the following sections, I will briefly describe some of the tours we participated in.

The Great Bridge Route

After years of development work and archeological preservation, we are happy to launch a new tour route in the Western Wall Tunnels: The Great Bridge route. The Western Wall Tunnels will now include two fascinating tours – The Great Stone tour (the classic route) includes a tour along the length of the Western Wall, a visit to the site closest to the Holy of Holies, and a visit to the Western Wall’s huge stone. The new route – The Great Bridge Route – will take visitors one more level under the Old City, where you will see the Great Bridge that led to the Temple Mount. This route will showcase different rooms and halls that served the people of that time, new and exciting findings, and a first glimpse at newly exposed courses of the Western Wall. This is a unique and fascinating route under the Old City below the tremendous bridge that led to the Temple during the Second Temple period. The route passes exciting sites and findings from the Second Temple period and includes a look at a new exposure to the Western Wall.

Source: official site

Here is a short official video about this route:

In 2023 we joined this new route, and during this visit, we saw the new lobby. We showed our order inside the lobby, received color-coded paper bracelets, and waited for our guide.

Our guide took us to the first stop, where we watched a short movie.

The story of the bridge is also the story of the luxury and destruction of Jerusalem. The aqueduct on the bridge is an engineering marvel. To transport the water from Solomon’s Pools in Bethlehem, the Hasmoneans built an aqueduct about 23 kilometers long that passes through Armon Hanatziv, Mishkanim Shananim, and the Jewish Quarter. This engineering marvel created with advanced technology for its time testifies to the splendor of Jerusalem. This aqueduct served as one of Jerusalem’s main water sources for almost 2000 years until the days of the British Mandate. The destruction of Jerusalem can be seen through the destruction of the bridge, which occurred twice in history. The first time it was the Hasmoneans themselves who destroyed it. Queen Shlomzion’s sons destroyed the bridge during a fight between them. The second destruction of the bridge was done during the temple’s destruction. The bridge’s destruction is the destruction of Jerusalem as a whole, the destruction of the Temple, and the exodus. Since the destruction of the Temple, the bridge has not been rebuilt.

Source: thekotel.org

The bridge was not only for pedestrians but also served as an aqueduct. And since there was water, a fountain was constructed on the bridge.

Here is a map of the route:

We started on floor -1 and watched the movie. Then we went down another floor and passed through various rooms, like the Herodian hall, Hall of Ages, and Mikveh, till we reached the Western Wall. Then we climbed one floor up and saw the model of the Second Temple. And lastly, we visited the nearby synagogue.

Magnificent Building

After the movie, we headed down to the magnificent building (or, as one of our guides called it: The Herodian Hall).

The new excavations in the Kotel tunnels discovered a magnificent building from the Second Temple period that was well preserved. A magnificent public building was discovered under the bridge, which carried water to the Temple during the Second Temple period. It is decorated with many impressive architectural items and has one of the largest mikveh found. The use of this room remains a mystery. According to estimates, this structure was built by the Jews who lived in Jerusalem around 30 AD, about forty years before the destruction of the Second Temple. The room was built at the base of the large bridge that extended from the residential area on the western hill to the temple. The level of the building is located at the foot of the Temple Mount near the main street. This street was full of shops outside the temple gates and where the pilgrims passed before ascending to the Temple Mount. This building has preserved many elements that characterize the magnificent construction from the time of the Second Temple. Several years before the destruction, the building underwent several changes. The large space of the room was divided into smaller areas, and the bridge above was widened. Following the expansion, the arches of the connection rested on the walls of the building. A mikveh was built in one of the new rooms, one of the largest found in Jerusalem from this period. Despite the beauty and splendor of the great room, after the destruction, the building was partially destroyed, and on its ruins, the Romans built a large and magnificent bathhouse. The bathhouse of the Romans, which symbolizes hedonism, stands in complete contrast to the mikvah of purity, which was part of the building until then, and symbolized the holy work of the temple. The wall of the bathhouse cuts off the building from the Second Temple period, leaving two spaces and a narrow corridor between them.

Let’s head to the grand hall of the magnificent building.

Researchers think the grand hall was a parlor for hosting VIPs on their way to the Temple Mount. They also found an identical hall (the photos above).

At the end of the Second Temple period, when the western hall was no longer used, pools (probably Mikveh) were installed in the first hall.

Between the halls, you can see the remains of a fountain with Corinthian capitals.

Adjacent to the magnificent building were found several mikvehs from the Second Temple period. For this reason, the area is called “the floor of the mikvah.” During the conservation work, drilling was done in the north wall of the mikvah, and as a result, a miraculous spring was discovered. The water flows from it and fills the mikvah throughout the year. But a greater wonder than this is that the drainage opening of the mikveh, which is more than two thousand years old, is still working, and thus the waters of the mikveh from the new source continue into the depths of the earth without interruption.

Wilson’s Arch

The Wilson’s Arch, the last arch at the base of the Great Bridge, is used today as an indoor prayer area in the Western Wall plaza. The arch was discovered as early as 1867 but was regulated for prayer only after the Six-Day War. Rabbi Getz described in his diary how the dirt removal process took place in a moving film by people and not by tractors that could destroy the pavement. One of the biggest surprises of the excavation was the discovery of a theater-like structure under the arch. This theater can accommodate over 200 people, and because of that, it was probably used for limited performances (Odeon) or as a meeting place for the dignitaries of the people to make decisions by the leadership. The construction of this theater was never completed, and therefore some researchers believe that it was never actually used. Some researchers claim that its construction was stopped due to the outbreak of the Bar Kochba rebellion.

Then we climbed one floor up to the presentation room, where we saw a model of the Second Temple.

While visiting, we saw several other groups. And the group in the following photo is standing by the great stone.

The great stone refers to the biggest rock in the Western Wall. Its length is 13.6 meters. The estimated width is 3.5 – 4.5 meters. The original height was about 3.5 meters. The estimated weight is about 600 tons.

And our last stop was the nearby synagogue. I was impressed with the floor. As you can see, it glows. More precisely, the floor is made of special thin marble stones that allow light to pass through it.

Hanukkah Western Wall Tunnels Tour

In 2017, we joined the Western Wall Tunnels Tour. I preordered tickets online, and on the third candle of Hanukkah, we joined a tour at 17:00.

We parked at Giv’at HaTahmoshet and used the light train to arrive at the old city (you can find directions in the guide to the Old City Of Jerusalem ).

The tour started at the Western Wall Tunnels. Thus, we hurried there.

Our tour started near the entrance, next to this arch to the right.

As it turns out, this is the bottom part of the bridge’s arch. Which bridge? The bridge that led to the Temple Mount . We are one level beneath the ground and almost at the top of a high bridge. There are at least four more levels to the ground.

Over centuries, people have built levels upon levels, and big parts of the old city are high above the ground.

Around fifty Mikveh were found near the Temple Mount . But only five of them are similar to this one. Most Mikveh has stairs from one side, but this one has stairs from all sides. Thus, researchers believe this is a public Mikveh.

Then we were led into a nearby room, which is also a Mikveh. In that room, a guitar player waited for us. We lit the candles and sang several Hanukkah songs.

This tour is more oriented toward archeology and history lovers. Thus, it is less suitable for kids. My daughter was an only child, and some parts were boring to her.

The Hall of Ages

Our next room was the Hall of Ages.

In this room, they performed depth excavations. Each layer belongs to a different period. Our guide turned on and off various lamps, and you could see more than two thousand years in front of you.

You can see the following periods: First Temple, Second Temple, Roman, Crusaders, Muslim, and Mamluk (I might have missed somebody). In this room, there were actual findings from the tenth century BC.

The Hall of Ages adjacent to the magnificent building symbolizes the constant connection of the people of Israel to Jerusalem. Despite time changes, nothing separated the nation of Israel from its eternal capital. In one space, we find finds from most periods of Jerusalem. The oldest finds in the room are pots dating back to the 10th century BC – the days of David and Solomon. A little newer, a floor from the days of King Hezekiah of Judah during the First Temple. In addition, you can find a Hasmonean water system, a wall from the Second Temple period, and arches from the later periods – the early Muslim, the Crusader, and the Mamluk periods.

Another interesting room was this one.

You can see two columns leading to two openings in the wall. These were fountains. You should remember that though today you see a small room, each wall of the room could have been built during a different period.

The Great Stone Route

The Western Wall of the Temple Mount (also known as the Kotel) is one of the most magnificent and significant remnants in Jerusalem from the days of the Second Temple, destroyed approximately 2,000 years ago. The Western Wall stretches along almost half a kilometer, but today, the part exposed to all at the Western Wall Plaza is a mere 70 meters of it. This tour allows visitors to reach the segments of the Wall hidden from view and to touch the original and special stones that tell the story of the Jewish nation. Visitors to the Western Wall Tunnels walk through ancient and fascinating spaces under the Old City with exquisite archeological findings, such as large stone vaults and arches, cisterns, an ancient water aqueduct trench that ends at the Strouthion Pool, and more. This tour includes innovative virtual models. It is considered an international attraction and is one of the must-see sites in Jerusalem.

The tours at the Western Wall Tunnels are a lovely experience. And since they keep discovering new things, I return every several years. If you love such things, I recommend joining a tour.

Moreover, as I mentioned, since you will be underground, you can visit all year round, regardless of the weather.

Have you ever been to the Western Wall Tunnels? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

That’s all for today, and I’ll see you in future travels!

Stay Tuned!

Additional Resources

• Israel Trip Planner is the page that will help you to create your perfect travel route.
• National Parks And Nature Reserves page lists and put all national parks on the map. There is also a top list, information about ticket types and campsites.
• If you are looking for things to do, here are the pages for Jerusalem , Tel Aviv , Haifa , Sea Of Galilee , and Makhtesh Ramon .
• Wondering what events are there in Israel? Here is the Events And Festivals By Season guide.

Lev Tsimbler

Lev from israel-in-photos.com. You can contact me at [email protected]

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Western Wall Tunnels

January 16th 2015

Immediately after Israel’s victory in the Six Day War of 1967, the Israeli government authorized a long, highly complex archeological project of excavating the Western Wall in its entirety. After more than 20 years of painstaking archeological and engineering work, the Western Wall Tunnels, also called the Kotel Tunnels or Minharot HaKotel, were opened to the public.

Look down when you walk over pieces of Plexiglas that reveal layers of Jewish history below the current Western Wall. Part of the way through the tour, you’ll sit in a stone theater and watch as your guide uses a motorized diagram to demonstrate the different phases of the development of the Temple Mount and surrounding areas.

A highlight is the single stone that’s so large and so heavy, contemporary engineers are baffled by how it could possibly have been set in place without machinery. Often called the Western Stone, it measures 45 feet long, 9.8 feet high and 11-15 feet wide and weighs close to 600 tons. You’ll end the tour at an underground water cistern that once provided water for the Temple itself and exit onto the Via Delorosa at its northern end.

Before the Western Wall Tunnels were opened to the public, walking paths, air conditioning, signs and lighting were added for the comfort of visitors. The site is now wheelchair accessible. Allow an hour and 15 minutes for the guided tour.

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Tour of the western wall tunnels *.

Israel and You April 8, 2019 Jewish Religious Sites

This video provides a private guided tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, Wilson’s Arch, Warren’s Gate, and The Struthion Pool – all in Jerusalem. See where Jesus actually walked!

The Western Wall Tunnels

The Western Wall Tunnels –  מנהרת הכותל ‎ is a tunnel adjacent to the Western Wall that exposes the full length of the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. The tunnel is located under buildings of the Old City of Jerusalem. The open-air portion of the Western Wall is approximately 60 metres long. The majority of the original length is underground. The tunnel allows access to an additional 485 metres of the wall.

The Western Wall Tunnels: Wilson Arch, Warren Gate, Struthion Pool

Wilson’s Arch

Wilson’s Arch once spanned 13 m, supporting a road that continued for 23 m and allowed access to a gate that was level with the surface of the Temple Mount during the Second Temple period.

The arch was identified in 1864 by 19th-century explorer and surveyor Charles William Wilson, for whom it is now named.

Warren’s Gate

Warren’s Gate, described by the 19th century surveyor Charles Warren, is an ancient entrance into the Temple platform in Jerusalem which lies about 150 feet (46 m) into the Western Wall Tunnel. In the Second Temple period, the gate led to a tunnel and staircase onto the Temple Mount.

Rabbi Yehuda Getz, the late official Rabbi of the Western Wall, believed that the Gate represented the point west of the Wall closest to the Holy of Holies.

Struthion Pool

The  Struthion Pool –  אשווח צפרא –   Sparrow Pool in Greek is a large cuboid cistern beneath the Convent of the Sisters of Zion in the Old City of Jerusalem, built in 1st century BCE. The pool is at the foot of the rock scarp ( inner side of the moat used in fortifications) that once bore the Antonia Fortress, at the northwestern corner of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.

The vaults are rather thought to be contemporary with the nearby Ecce Homo Arch originally a triumphal arch constructed by Emperor Hadrian.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.