The Temple Mount platform is on the Old City’s highest point (Haram al-Sharif). At the base is the Western Wall. This 1,600 foot stretch of limestone is the remains of the Second Temple built by Herod the Great (ruled 37 BC – 4 BC) and destroyed in 70 AD. An alternative name is the Weeping Wall because Jews are denied access to the Dome of the Rock. As a result, this 187 foot section of the wall is as close as they can pray near the Ark of the Covenant believed to be below the Foundation Stone. Jews consider the site to be the Holy of Holies.
