Wilson's Arch, Ancient stone arch near Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel
Wilson's Arch is a massive stone structure near the Western Wall that spans approximately 13 meters and once supported a street connecting the Temple Mount to the Upper City. The arched design remains a significant example of ancient Roman engineering in the region.
Construction of the arch began between 20 BCE and 20 CE, with further expansions occurring until around 60 CE during the Roman period. Archaeological digs from 2015 to 2019 confirmed this timeline through detailed examination of the structure.
Beneath the arch stands a synagogue with separate sections for men and women, where traditional Jewish prayers take place throughout the day. The space has become an important prayer site for the local community.
Access to the arch is straightforward from the Western Wall Plaza, making it easy to reach as part of your visit. The current ground level sits approximately 3 meters higher than it was when the structure was originally built.
Researchers discovered organic materials preserved in the arch's mortar that revealed details about different construction phases. These natural remains allowed scientists to precisely date how the structure developed over time.
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