What is the Great Stone?
The Great Stone is the southernmost of the four massive stones that make up the “Nidbach Raba” (Great Course) of the Western Wall. It is considered one of the largest building stones in the world.
Length: approx. 13.60 meters (44.6 feet)
Height: approx. 3.3 meters (10.8 feet)
Depth: estimated between approx. 2 meters and 4.6 meters (6.5–15 feet)
Weight: estimated between approx. 285 and 570 tons
Location and Structure of the Course
The Nidbach Raba consists of four main stones (from north to south):
8 meters
12.05 meters
2.14 meters
13.55 meters (the Great Stone)
These stones were placed at a relatively high level — about 12 meters above the bedrock.
Purpose of the Stone’s Placement
The giant stones were placed to reinforce the structural stability of the Wall in areas where there is topographical sensitivity or internal cavities within the Temple Mount.
One theory suggests that a large vault was built in this section of the Mount to support the structure above, and the Nidbach Raba stones served as the foundation for this vault.
The Herodian Stone Dressing
The Great Stone is carved in magnificent Herodian style:
One or two recessed margins framing the stone
A raised central boss (“projecting edge” or “protuberance”) smoothed with a single-toothed chisel
This type of dressing characterizes major Jewish holy sites, including the Temple Mount, the Cave of the Patriarchs (Ma’arat HaMachpela), and the Oaks of Mamre.
Quarrying and Dressing Stages of the Western Wall Stones
During quarrying, the stones were marked with preliminary margin dressing at the quarry itself
They were then carefully transported to the Wall
Only after being set in place was the final and precise dressing completed
Transport Method of the Western Wall Stones
Thanks to the high location of the quarry, the stones could be brought downhill to the construction site via a gentle slope using rollers, pulleys, and cranes — without needing to lift them upward.
Historical Damage and Changes to the Stone
Over the centuries, the stone underwent several changes:
Roman Period: Soldiers of Titus smashed the upper section of the Nidbach Raba during the destruction of the Second Temple
Byzantine Period: Rectangular grooves were carved into the Great Stone to apply thick plaster for a water reservoir built above it
Islamic Period: Rows of small stones were added to restore the Wall, though their workmanship is significantly inferior to that of the Herodian stones
The Great Stone Today
Due to being buried under earth and debris for generations, the Great Stone has been preserved in near-perfect condition.
Today, it serves as a major attraction in the Western Wall Tunnels, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the extraordinary construction abilities of Herod’s era.
