Exploring the Hidden Wall
The Western Wall Tunnel exposes a section of the Western Wall. It extends north from the traditional prayer site. The tunnel lies under buildings in Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter. The open-air part of the Western Wall is about 60 meters long. However, the original Wall is 488 meters long, with most of it underground. The tunnel gives access to the Wall’s northern part.
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Connected Spaces and Unique Experiences
Several underground spaces connect to the tunnel. Many of these spaces can be visited together with the main tunnel. This is why the term “Western Wall Tunnels” is often used.
Historical Background
In 19 BCE, King Herod began a massive project. He aimed to double the area of the Temple Mount. To achieve this, he built four retaining walls. These walls supported the expanded Temple Mount. The Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, but the walls remained.
Over the centuries, much of the area near the walls became covered. A part of the Western Wall stayed exposed, becoming a sacred prayer site.
Early Excavations
British researchers started excavating the Western Wall in the mid-19th century. Charles Wilson began in 1864, and Charles Warren continued in 1867-70. Wilson discovered an arch, now known as “Wilson’s Arch.” This arch, 12.8 meters wide, is above the present-day ground level. It likely supported a bridge to the Temple Mount during the Second Temple Period. Warren’s excavations through the arch are still visible.
Post-Six-Day War Excavations
After the Six-Day War, Israel’s Ministry of Religious Affairs started new excavations. These efforts aimed to expose more of the Western Wall. The work took nearly twenty years and uncovered many historical details. The excavations faced challenges because the tunnels ran below residential areas. Early excavations lacked scientific supervision, which later changed. Experts oversaw the digs to protect both structures and artifacts. In 1988, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation took over these tasks.
Key Features of the Tunnel
The tunnel reveals 300 meters of the Wall’s total 445 meters. This shows the construction methods and activities near the Temple Mount. Many archaeological finds from different periods have been discovered here.
Warren’s Gate and the Hasmonean Channel
“Warren’s Gate” lies about 150 feet into the tunnel. This sealed-off entrance was once a small synagogue. Rabbi Yehuda Getz built another synagogue outside the gate. This site is the closest point to the Holy of Holies for prayer today.
Beyond the Wall’s northern end, remains of a water channel were found. This channel, called the “Hasmonean Channel,” supplied water to the Temple Mount. It passes through the Struthion Pool, dating back to the Hasmonean period.
The Massive Western Stone
The tunnel reveals the largest stone in the Western Wall, known as the Western Stone. This stone is one of the heaviest objects ever lifted without powered machinery. It measures 13.6 meters long, 3 meters high, and up to 4.5 meters wide, weighing 570 tons.
Chain of Generations Center
Near the tunnel are structures from the Second Temple period, Crusader, and Mamluk eras. The Western Wall Foundation created the Chain of Generations Center here. This museum includes an audiovisual show and glass sculptures by Jeremy Langford.
Roman Street Discovery
In 2007, the Israel Antiquities Authority uncovered an ancient Roman street. This street likely connected two major roads and led to the Temple Mount. The discovery proved Romans continued using the Temple Mount after 70 CE. Excavations continued until 2014.
The Struthion Pool
The Struthion Pool is a large cistern gathering rainwater from the Forum buildings. Originally an open-air pool, Hadrian added vaulting over it. This pool was part of an open-air water conduit built by the Hasmoneans.
Northern Exit Controversy
Initially, visitors had to retrace their steps back. A proposed alternative exit faced controversy. In 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu approved an exit leading to the Via Dolorosa. This led to riots, resulting in 80 deaths. Now, tourists can enter from the southern entrance and exit from the northern end. However, this exit is only open during the day due to security concerns.
Sources: Wikipedia
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