The Western Wall, or Wailing Wall as it is popularly known, is considered to be one of the holiest sites in the world. Built by King Herod in 20 BCE, the Western Wall was one of the supporting walls that enclosed the Temple Mount, allowing for the construction of a grand esplanade and the expansion of the Temple complex. The Wall itself is a marvel; its foundation dates back to the Herodian era, while its upper reaches are from the Umayyad and Fatimid period. Just beyond the wall lies the holy Temple Mount, the site of several momentous events and an abiding place of pilgrimage. Owing to the Temple Mount's restrictions to visitors, the Wall has been the focal point of prayer for pilgrims since 70 CE. A wide plaza fronts the Wall, with ample space to accommodate worshipers, as well as public events, such as the swearing in of new army recruits, bar mitzvah celebrations, and wedding photos. A local custom is to write prayers and petitions on small slips of paper and press them into the cracks in the wall.
