Secrets Beneath the Western Wall Plaza: An Exclusive Tour

Video Description

An early look inside one of Jerusalem’s newest and most fascinating archaeological discoveries. With special permission, I was granted access to the Western Wall Heritage Center — a brand-new site built over years of excavation, still closed to public tours. Join me for an exclusive guided journey beneath the Western Wall Plaza, where we explore Jerusalem’s newest findings — from ancient streets to rare artefacts. Among the most exciting finds: 🔹 The second long-lost Cardo of Jerusalem — a Roman-era street mentioned in the Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic from a Byzantine church in Jordan. Along this ancient street lie the ruins of shops and stalls, offering a glimpse into everyday life nearly 2,000 years ago. 🔹 An ancient Hebrew seal inscribed with the name of a family mentioned in the Book of Ezra — likely one of those who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. 🔹 A structure from the early Islamic period, built atop what appears to be an ancient storage room containing 2,000-year-old oil lamps. 🔹 Another room from the same period features a possible space for a mezuzah, suggesting Jewish presence under Muslim rule. 🔹 A column capital from the Royal Stoa — the magnificent structure that once stood at the southern edge of the Temple Mount. 🔹 A column capital — the ornate top of a column — uncovered in this excavation, from the Royal Stoa, one of the most magnificent structures of the Second Temple. This impressive building stood at the southern edge of the Temple Mount and was destroyed along with the Temple in 70 CE. 🔹 One particularly surprising and even playful discovery: a Roman-era board game carved into the paving stones of the Cardo — a 1,900-year-old version of something resembling Chutes and Ladders. This film documents a still-active excavation, offering a glimpse of what lies beneath — and what’s to come. 📍 Filming Location Western Wall Heritage Center Operated by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation 🔗 https://thekotel.org/ 🧭 Tour Guide Yehuda Deutsch 🔗 https://www.ydjtours.com/