 The other entrance is located to the southeast, near the mihrab, and is sealed by a large stone, and usually covered by prayer mats; this is very close to the location of the "seventh step" on the outside of the enclosure, beyond which the Mamelukes forbade Jews from approaching.When the enclosure was controlled by crusaders, access was occasionally possible.One account, by Rabbi Benjamin of Tudela dating from 1163 CE, states that after passing through an iron door, and descending, the caves would be encountered.