Western Wall Tunnel facts for kids

The path of the Western Wall Tunnel

The Western Wall Tunnel is an amazing underground journey beneath the ancient city of Jerusalem. Imagine walking through hidden passages and chambers that have been there for thousands of years! These tunnels run alongside the famous Western Wall, a very important and holy place. They connect different parts of the Old City, showing layers of history from long ago. It's like a time machine, letting you explore how people lived and built things in the past.

The tunnels are made up of different sections built over many centuries. They stretch from the Western Wall all the way to the Muslim Quarter under the Old City. Exploring these tunnels is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Israel.

Discovering the Ancient Tunnels

The Western Wall is a very special place for many people around the world. It was once part of the wall that surrounded the Second Temple, which was built by King Herod almost 2,000 years ago. Most of this wall is above ground, but a large part of it is hidden underground.

For hundreds of years, people could not see or touch the hidden parts of the Western Wall. But in the 19th century, archaeologists and explorers started digging. They wanted to uncover the secrets buried beneath the city. This is how the Western Wall Tunnels began to be discovered.

A Journey Through Time

Walking through the tunnels is like stepping back in time. You can see huge stones that were part of the original Temple Mount walls. Some of these stones are incredibly big, weighing many tons! Imagine how people moved these giant rocks without modern machines.

As you walk, you'll see different layers of history. There are parts from the time of the Second Temple, and also sections from later periods, like the Middle Ages. You might even see ancient water systems or streets that were once above ground.

What You Can See Inside

Inside the tunnels, you'll find several interesting spots:

• The Great Stone: This is one of the largest stones in the Western Wall. It's about 13.6 meters (45 feet) long and weighs around 570 tons! It's an incredible example of ancient engineering.
• Ancient Streets: You can walk on parts of the original street from the Second Temple period. This street was once a busy pathway where people walked to the Temple.
• Water Cisterns: There are also ancient water systems, including large cisterns that collected rainwater for the city.
• The Closest Point to the Holy of Holies: For many, one of the most meaningful parts of the tunnel is a small prayer area. This spot is believed to be the closest physical point to where the Holy of Holies once stood inside the Temple.

Why the Tunnels are Important

The Western Wall Tunnels are important for many reasons. They help us understand the history of Jerusalem and the Second Temple. They show us how people lived, built, and worshipped thousands of years ago. For historians and archaeologists, the tunnels are like a giant puzzle, helping them piece together the past.

For visitors, the tunnels offer a unique and powerful experience. They allow people to connect with the ancient history and spiritual significance of Jerusalem in a very direct way. It's a chance to see parts of the city that have been hidden for centuries.

Images for kids

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  Inside the Western Wall Tunnels

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  A section of the ancient tunnel

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  Looking down a long passage in the tunnels

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  The ancient stones of the tunnel walls

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  A view of the tunnel's structure

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  Another perspective inside the tunnels

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  The Western Stone, the biggest stone of the wall

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  The route of the Western Wall Tunnel

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  Women praying in the tunnel at the closest physical point to the Holy of Holies

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  Concrete supports used to reinforce the ancient streets above in Jerusalem's Muslim Quarter. At the end of this tunnel is the northern exit