Christian tourists come, for Jesus walked here 2,000 years ago, or rather 30-40 feet lower than the current street level. And Japanese tourists, by the bus loads. But especially observant Jews, conservative, reformed, orthodox, and Hasidic Jews of several groups with different styles of fur hats. All are to have hats to pray, and cardboard hats are available at the entrance. I once momentarily removed my English-style cap to fix my hair and got a finger wagged at me.
Some men rock when they pray aloud, for they pray with their whole body.
Along the side of the wall is a covered area, almost a cavern, used when the weather gets bad. There are shafts, covered by plexiglass, which go down to the level of the ancient pavement about 40 feet below. The Wall itself is covered by a permanent oil stain, from the years of people touching it with their hands and heads. And in the cracks of the stones are tiny rolls of paper, with prayers written upon them. Beyond and behind the wall is the Temple mount where once stood the Temple.