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Even during a security sweep, the pious pray in sight of the Wall. |
| A part of the southern retaining wall was exposed during excavations in the 1970s. There is another part of the retaining wall to the right as one faces the Kotel, near what is now referred to as The Robinson Arch. Additionally, a section of the western retaining wall over 1,000 feet long exists underground, to the north of the Kotel. The area has been excavated and is now accessible through the controversial Western Wall Tunnel. The Tunnel contains Roman and Medieval structures. There are vaults and walls decorated with pilasters. Water once traveled along an aqueduct and was stored in cisterns and a reservoir, |
parts of which still remain in the Tunnel, adjacent to the wall. A short section of paved road still exists as well. The wall and other structures in this area are underground because rubble, garbage and the remains of long destroyed buildings gradually filled the area to the immediate west of the former Temple. The only time day or night that there is no prayer at the Kotel is during the frequent security sweeps by the Israeli military and police. Even then, the faithful maintain a vigil and pray outside the police barriers, remaining in sight of the Kotel. |