
Western Wall Tunnel (Kotel), Jerusalem (must see)
Visitors to Jerusalem can see the relatively small, 200-foot long above ground portion of the Western Wall by going to the Old City near the Al-Aqsa Mosque. They will see the preserved limestone wall built in 19 BCE by Herod the Great.
Those who want to see even more of the wall can head to the tunnels. The Western Wall Tunnel is a 1,601-foot expanse of wall that is entirely hidden underground. It is located under the Old City and much of the Muslim Quarter.
The goal behind erecting the Western Wall was to double the size of the Temple Mount. In 70 CE, the structure was destroyed by Romans. The area that was exposed became a venerated place of prayer, but the rest was built upon and left unseen.
Excavation on the Western Wall Tunnel began in 1864. They continued for about 20 years. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation was formed in the late 19th century with the goal to maintain and renovate the site.
Access to the Western Wall Tunnel is at the Western Wall Plaza. Visitors must be a part of a guided tour that is booked in advance.
Tip:
If you are claustrophobic, stay calm – some areas are narrow but there are alcoves throughout to provide enough breathing space. Also, in winter, it is quite warm down there, so no need to dress a lot.
Those who want to see even more of the wall can head to the tunnels. The Western Wall Tunnel is a 1,601-foot expanse of wall that is entirely hidden underground. It is located under the Old City and much of the Muslim Quarter.
The goal behind erecting the Western Wall was to double the size of the Temple Mount. In 70 CE, the structure was destroyed by Romans. The area that was exposed became a venerated place of prayer, but the rest was built upon and left unseen.
Excavation on the Western Wall Tunnel began in 1864. They continued for about 20 years. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation was formed in the late 19th century with the goal to maintain and renovate the site.
Access to the Western Wall Tunnel is at the Western Wall Plaza. Visitors must be a part of a guided tour that is booked in advance.
Tip:
If you are claustrophobic, stay calm – some areas are narrow but there are alcoves throughout to provide enough breathing space. Also, in winter, it is quite warm down there, so no need to dress a lot.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Western Wall Tunnel (Kotel) on Map
Sight Name: Western Wall Tunnel (Kotel)
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel
Create Your Own Walk in Jerusalem
Creating your own self-guided walk in Jerusalem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Dotted with many sightseeing places, Mount Scopus – translating as the “Observation Mount” from Greek – is a great place to get views over the whole Old City of Jerusalem on a nice day. The mount has been of major strategic importance since Roman times, with forces setting up camp here prior to laying the siege that culminated in the final Roman victory over Jerusalem around 70 AD.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Armenian Quarter Walking Tour
Smaller and quieter than the Old City's other three quarters, the Armenian quarter contains a series of winding cobblestoned streets and alleyways teeming with people, shops, coffee stands, ceramic workshops and hookah bars. A city in miniature with distinct language, alphabet and culture, it has been in place since the 4th century, when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Aside from affording great views over the Old City, the Mount of Olives is home to half a dozen major sites of the Christian faith along with the oldest Jewish burial ground in the world. Considered a holy spot by many, it is associated with numerous events in Jesus’ life including ascending to Heaven and teaching his disciples the Lord’s Prayer.
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Mount Zion Walking Tour
For those interested in religion and history, Mount Zion offers several unique sights that are situated in close proximity to each other. An important place for Christians, Jews as well as Muslims, it holds important constructions dating from the 20th century as well as a compound built by the Crusaders that marks the spot of both King David’s tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. How... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Following Steps of Jesus Walking Tour
Considered for centuries to be the center of the universe, Jerusalem is where the most famous figure in history, Jesus of Nazareth, fulfilled his divine mission by carrying a cross from the place of Pontius Pilate’s sentencing to Golgotha where he was crucified. This self-guided tour will retrace the steps of Jesus, allowing you to see what many consider some of the holiest places on our planet.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Christian Quarter Walking Tour
One of the epicenters of worldwide Christianity, the Christian Quarter is the 2nd-largest of Jerusalem’s four ancient quarters. A fascinating place to stroll through, it covers the Old City’s northwestern part, just beyond Jaffa Gate – the traditional pilgrim’s entrance to Jerusalem and a prime destination for most visitors.
With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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