The wailing wall

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About attractions

For thousands of years (since 4th century), this place is a symbol of hope and faith for many generations of Jews, their main place of pilgrimage and supplication. A small segment of the Holy Land, attracting millions of believers and tourists who want to touch the "wish fulfilling" the Shrine.

Actually, few people know that the Wailing Wall is what is left of the supporting structures of King Herod the Great erected by him to strengthen the Temple mount, and not the very wall of the Temple. But the Temple mount itself, around which was built the Wailing Wall, which for centuries served as a place of worship for faithful Jews. The first on the hill was built the Temple of Solomon (the First temple), which was destroyed long before the onset of a new era. The very first temple was the only place where Jews were allowed to pray.
To a greater extent by the forces of king Herod, and even a few rulers, the Temple was reconstructed and named the Second Temple. The Western Wall (or Wailing Wall) is the surviving part of the Second Temple, which was also completely destroyed in 70 ad by the Roman army of Emperor Titus during the First Jewish-Roman war.
And the First and Second temples were destroyed in one day (the 9th Abba), but in different years. This day is marked in the Jewish calendar, as a day of mourning and mourning for the destroyed temples.
Wall was also a support for the entire structure, which was enlarged and expanded during the construction. At this time, open to access are only 57 metres of the wall. Wall height of about 32 meters above the land rises only 19 meters. The rest is part of the underground Foundation.
It should be noted that the only period of time when from the Wall heard the prayers of believers, this years (1948 to 1967), when the Wall was controlled by Jordan. In this period of time believers to the Wall were not allowed.
Today the Wailing Wall is certainly the most Holy, ctime place for Jews all over the world. All year round, every day here come thousands of different people: Jews and Christians, tourists, believers and curious. Praying religious Jews mourn the destruction of the Temples (hence the name "wailing Wall"), secular pray for peace and health, I wish prosperity to your loved ones. But even people far removed from religion, put in the cracks and gaps between stones of the Wall of the Epistle with prayers to God. Requests in the notes varies from the simple everyday, to requests for peace on Earth. People turn to God, asking for yourself or loved ones, or thank you for your help and protection. The atmosphere is absolutely unique. Fascinating. Someone is praying, someone is just silent. Once a month all the messages are collected and placed in special containers, then disposed on the mount of olives, so the message of God will not disappear.
This place is also associated many modern Jewish traditions. Here bring your oath to the soldiers of elite parts of the Defense Army of Israel. Here make "the ascent to the Torah" under the thirteenth Israeli boys. Well, in Israel's Independence Day and the Day of the Liberation of Jerusalem by the Wall hosts a variety of celebrations.
Wall is located in the Old city of Jerusalem, in the Jewish quarter.
Please note that when visiting the clothing should be modest. Women must be covered shoulders and knees, men - head cover.
On Saturday and during Jewish holidays, to smoke and take pictures, but also to use mobile phones at the wailing Wall is strictly prohibited.