The Western Wall

The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray, a surviving section of the ancient retaining wall of the Second Temple's Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. For centuries the devout have gathered before its great weathered stones, in separate men's and women's sections, to pray day and night, to mourn the destroyed temples, and to press small written prayers into the cracks between its ancient blocks, a deeply moving centre of Jewish faith.

What you actually see

• The wall itself - the great weathered stones of the ancient wall.
• The prayers in the cracks - the written prayers pressed between the stones.
• The worshippers - the devout praying day and night.
• The plaza - the great gathering square before the wall.

When to go

Spring and autumn for the mildest weather; it is open and lit day and night. Friday evening, the start of the Jewish sabbath, is an especially atmospheric time as crowds gather to welcome it, though photography is not permitted then.

Honest expectations

It is a sacred site with rules to respect: dress modestly, men cover their heads with the provided kippah, and the wall is divided into separate men's and women's prayer areas. Photography is forbidden on the sabbath, from Friday evening to Saturday night. Approach quietly and respectfully. It is free and open at all hours.

Nearby

The Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the old-city quarters are alongside.