El Ghriha Synagogue in Riadha, Djerba Island, Tunisia. El Ghribha Synagogue in Riadha, Djerba Island, Tunisia El Ghribha Synagogue of Djerba Tunisia

In the north of the island is the town of Er Riadh, formerly called Hara Seghira. Here is the most revered of the island's religious buildings - the synagogue of La Griba.

The synagogue is more than 2000 years old, making it the oldest synagogue in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. According to oral traditions, it was built by a kohen who immigrated after the destruction of the first Temple in Jerusalem. The modern building was built in the 19th century and replaced a 16th century building.

In modern times, the synagogue has been attacked several times. During the 1985 Simchat Torah holiday, a police officer opened fire on a crowd of people, resulting in the death of three people, including one child. On April 11, 2002, a truck loaded with explosives was detonated near the synagogue, killing 21 people, 14 of whom were German tourists. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for this attack.
Currently, there is a security checkpoint similar to an airport, and the synagogue is guarded by soldiers.

The Synagogue of La Ghriba (the word has two meanings: “Miracle” and “Stranger”) is the most important site of Jewish pilgrimage to the island of Djerba.

After passing security, you can proceed to the synagogue.
If anyone wants to wash their hands, then first go to the right, everything is there for this.
And then you can go to the synagogue.
In the first hall, shoes are removed; those who do not have hats are given for rent.

The room is small, but in the synagogue the battery of the camera ran out, so there are few photos.

Admission is free, but an old Jew sits at the entrance and sells similar postcards to everyone for one dinar.

When I left the hall I heard Russian speech: It’s not like everywhere else here.
Tourists from Russia came into the hall.
Either someone didn’t want to buy a postcard, or they wanted to slip through without a headdress, or they didn’t take off their shoes, I can’t say for sure.
In general, some poor fellow was reminded that a foreign monastery has its own rules.
The guide once again loudly said that the rules should be followed, and that was the end of the matter, the group went into the hall.
Since I was wearing a hat, I put on my shoes and went to the bus.
The entire excursion is 20 minutes.

Start here

Djerba is the southernmost resort region of the country. From the mainland you can get here by ferry, which will take you in just 10 minutes, or by domestic flight in 50 minutes.

With every right, the island of Djerba can be compared with the famous Tahiti, only Mediterranean.

Small villages and towns are scattered throughout the island. The local artisans are famous for their skill in making ceramic vessels and patterned carpets. Here is the famous Grib Synagogue, which is one of the oldest in the world. It was founded back in the 6th century BC. History buffs will be interested in visiting the 16th century Spanish fort, as well as the fishing port.

The climate on Djerba is very mild, so you can relax on this island almost throughout the year. The climatic conditions here are simply unique, a real natural phenomenon. The hottest month of the year is August and +29 degrees, and the coldest month is in January, when the temperature drops to +12, and the difference is very small. In December, almonds bloom in lush white and purple flowers on Djerba and oranges from the new harvest ripen. This amazing island is literally surrounded by the greenery of lush gardens, and amazing lotus flowers grow here.

Crocodile farm

The crocodile farm in Djerba is a whole reserve of crocodiles, which are raised here on an industrial scale. Every day at 4 pm the feeding of these dangerous reptiles begins on the farm, so everyone can not only watch, but also take part in this entertaining action.

The reserve began its existence more than two hundred years ago, when the first crocodiles were brought here from Madagascar. At first they adapted to the local climate, and later they were placed in heated pools.

There are about 400 crocodiles on the farm. Some reptiles have already grown to three meters or more. The reserve has specially equipped bridges for tourists who can watch crocodiles from here.

The farm is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm in summer, and from 9 am to 6 pm in winter.

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Fort Ghazi Mustafa

Ghazi Mustapha Fort is one of the main attractions on the island of Djerba.

This amazing fort can be found near Houmt Souk beach. Its construction dates back to the fifteenth century, when Sultan Abu Fares went to Djerba to counter the Spanish campaign led by King Alfonso V.

Fort Ghazi Mustapha has been involved in battles more than once, which negatively affected its condition. The fort owes its current appearance to a complex reconstruction that took many years.

The largest island in the Mediterranean, the island of Djerba has a long history, you can learn more about it at the Guellala Museum. Behind its walls are kept many ancient artifacts, most of which were obtained during excavations.

The Guellala Museum is one of the best museums in Tunisia. It rises on a hill, not far from the village of the same name, Guellala. After visiting the museum, be sure to wander around the village, whose streets are themselves an open-air museum.

Djerba Golf Club

If you don’t know what to do with your leisure time during your holiday in Djerba, be sure to visit the “DJERBA GOLF CLUB”. Thanks to the climate, you can play golf here all year round. "DJERBA GOLF CLUB" was created according to the design of the English architect Martin Hawtrey. The club is one of the best golf courses on the Mediterranean coast.

The club has three fields. The first course, Les Palmiers, is the most difficult and includes nine holes at 3044 meters. The second course “La Mer” is easier, it runs along the sea line, which makes the game extremely picturesque. The third course, Les Acacias, is intended for beginners - if you are not good at golf, then here you can easily learn all the basics.

Fort Borj el-Kebir

In the mid-sixteenth century, due to the threat of Spanish troops invading the island of Djerba, Sultan Abi Fares al Hafsi ordered the construction of the Bordj el-Kebir fort. Thanks to the efforts of the Arab builders, the fort of Borj el-Kebir successfully completed its task of repelling the attacks of the invaders. The siege lasted 80 days, after which the Spanish troops admitted defeat.

During the siege of the fort of Bordj el-Kebir, thousands of Spaniards died. Subsequently, from the skulls of the killed Spaniards, the Arabs built a huge pyramid, which they called Borj el-Rus. The pyramid stood for 300 years, after which European colonialists buried the skulls in a Christian cemetery.

Grib Synagogue in Riyadh

The Grib Synagogue in Riyadh is located a few kilometers from the city of Houmt Souk. The age of this synagogue is more than 2000 years. It is considered the oldest synagogue in Africa.

It has long been believed that the El-Ghriba synagogue was built on the site of the paradise stone that fell to earth. It is believed that as soon as the last Jew leaves Djerba, the keys to the synagogue will return to heaven.

Around the synagogue and its courtyard there are premises intended for visiting pilgrims who arrive here after Easter. The famous relic, the oldest Torah scroll, is carefully preserved in the synagogue’s sanctuary. A magnificent large door made of wood with large metal rivets opens the entrance to an amazing ancient structure. The fabulous rectangular hall, decorated with unique blue tiles, makes a special impression.

Royal Carriage Club Riding School

The Royal Carriage Club Riding School is the first such institution opened on the island of Djerba.

The club was opened on July 1, 2007 and has managed to gain quite a lot of popularity among tourists who love horse riding. The main idea of ​​the club is to combine beach holidays with equestrian sports, which are taught here for different levels of training. You can be a professional or you are just interested in trying yourself in something new - here they will always help you. The masters who teach horse riding have a high level of training and are ready to carefully explain and show you everything.

The club contains various breeds of horses, including the famous purebred Arabian horses. The club will be happy to show thoroughbred ponies for children.

The club has a beautiful house at its disposal, where you can enjoy relaxing on the terrace and picturesque views.

Djerba-Zarzis Airport

Djerba-Zarzis Airport is one of the largest major airports in the south-eastern part of Tunisia. It has an area of ​​295 hectares and its passenger traffic is 4 million people per year.

The airport was built in 1970 to improve the tourist attractiveness of the Zarzis Peninsula. It serves to transport tourists to the region of southern Tunisia. This is the most important artery of Tunisia, since traveling from Tunis or Monastir to Djerba by car is very tiring. In summer, there are up to 5 flights daily from Tunis airport to Djerba. The flight time takes up to one and a half hours including takeoff and landing.

Like all Tunisian airports, this airport is managed by the Tunisian Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports. It has two terminals with areas of 73,000 and 57,000 square meters.

Traditional Heritage Museum

While on holiday in Djerba, you can combine business with pleasure and visit the Traditional Heritage Museum. Here you can learn about the history of the island's indigenous population, as well as see many centuries-old relics.

The main theme of the exhibitions is cultural heritage associated with the crafts of local residents. Traditional agriculture, fishing, pottery, as well as traditional costumes, woodwork and silverware are represented here.

In winter, the museum is open from 9:00 to 16:30, in summer - from 09:00 to 19:00.

Fadloun Mosque

The Fadloun Mosque is one of the smallest and most visited mosques in Tunisia, located in the Midoun region.

It is distinguished by the simplicity and austerity of its interior decoration: there are no decorations, no stucco moldings, no mosaics - only clean white walls. Even the niche indicating the direction of Mecca is not decorated here.

This attractive, modest mosque is also distinguished by its elegance and flow of architectural forms. The mosque is open not only to Muslims, but also to representatives of other religions.

Sentido Beach Djerba

All beaches in Tunisia are municipal. But the beach strip adjacent to any of the hotels is equipped with everything necessary for each hotel, and all cleaning, security, and rescue work are carried out by the staff of this hotel.

One of the beautiful sandy beaches of Midoun in Tunisia is located on the territory of the Sentido Djerba Beach Hotel. Here guests are provided with sun loungers, umbrellas, towels, and rental of air mattresses. In addition, if desired, you can rent equipment for water sports and volleyball on the beach.

The depth of the sea here is quite shallow, approximately to the waist of an adult, so that a swimmer unsure of his abilities can calmly enjoy sea water and healing air.

The most popular attractions in Djerba with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Djerba on our website.

El Ghriba Synagogue is an important Jewish shrine. This synagogue is considered the oldest in Africa and one of the oldest in the whole world that has survived to this day. Its age is more than two thousand years. According to oral traditions, it was founded by a Jewish priest who came to these places after the first Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. According to legend, El Ghriba was built on the spot where the paradise stone fell. The legend says that when the last Jew leaves this place, the keys to the synagogue gates will return to heaven.

On the main Jewish holidays, as well as on the 33rd day after Passover, pilgrims from North Africa and the Middle East flock here. Small rooms for pilgrims were built around the perimeter of the square courtyard of El Ghriba.

A massive ebony door with metal ties and rivets leads into the main hall of El Ghriba. The central hall makes a strong impression on all visitors. The walls and arches are lined with blue tiles. The columns and ceiling are painted blue and white. The white color of the walls symbolizes purity, and the blue color of the shutters on the windows is the color of spiritual peace and tranquility. In the main sanctuary of the synagogue there is a very old and valuable Torah scroll - a significant shrine of this place. Pilgrims also come to venerate the grave of Shimon Bar Yashai (one of the authors of the Talmud).

Of course, the building did not reach us in its original form. The building that has reached us is from the 19th century. It, in turn, replaced the synagogue of the 16th century.

While Türkiye is trying to save the end of the 2016 season, Tunisia is receiving a record number of Russian tourists. In the first 5 months of the year, more than 74 thousand people visited Tunisia (an increase of 650%), in 6 months already more than 187 thousand, and by mid-August more than 400 thousand Russians vacationed in Tunisia. Those. The record for the most successful year of 2013 has already been broken, when 300 thousand Russians arrived. And by the end of the year, the number of Russian tourists may exceed half a million,” Ali Goutali, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Tunisian Republic to the Russian Federation, said on August 11. Tour operators also note that tours to the island of Djerba in the Mediterranean have become a top seller for Russians this season. Largely due to the fact that “Turkish” operators (ANEX, Coral and Pegas) supplied charters at very reasonable prices, and Tunisian hoteliers offered such prices that a package tour to Tunisia costs in rubles almost cheaper than a similar tour BEFORE the fall of the ruble! In addition to snow-white sand, a warm turquoise sea, an all-inclusive system and the best price/quality ratio of the season, the island of Djerba, like the whole of Tunisia, is interesting with its excursion program. I consider the highlight to be the oldest synagogue in the world - La Ghriba (El Ghriba).

La Ghriba is located in the small village of Hara Segira (the town of Riyadh). From the outside, the synagogue building seems unremarkable - an ordinary low building with white walls and blue windows. Typical Tunisian style, in which many buildings and entire cities were built (for example, Sidi Bou Said). The interiors of the synagogue are unusual inside. The combination of white and blue tiles and carved wooden columns, isn't it amazing for a synagogue? And in translation from Arabic the name of the synagogue sounds like “amazing”, “miracle”. There is also a translation option “stranger”. That’s all true – she is both amazing and a stranger in the Muslim world. But Tunisia is such a tolerant country that different religions can easily coexist here, and the houses of a Jew and an Arab can be located opposite each other door to door. And this doesn't bother anyone. I haven’t noticed any strong religiosity among Tunisians at all; it’s a secular country. In Russia, the attitude towards religion is now much more serious, especially if we recall the adoption of a number of laws, and the most striking of them is about insulting the feelings of believers. This is not the case in Tunisia, but women’s rights, including to participate in the political process and the opportunity to occupy a ministerial-level position, are respected. For example, the Minister of Tourism of Tunisia is a woman.
The history of the La Ghriba synagogue begins in 586 BC, i.e. The synagogue is about 2600 years old and is the oldest synagogue in Africa. One of the oldest copies of the Torah in the world is kept here, the relics of Shimon Bar Yashai, one of the authors of the Talmud, rest here, and on the eastern wall there are dozens of commemorative silver tablets that pilgrims left here over the centuries (similar to the Western Wall in Jerusalem). According to legend, Jews expelled from Jerusalem after the destruction of the First Temple in 589 BC brought the remaining stones from the Temple with them to the island of Djerba. It was from them that the city synagogue was built. After Passover, on the 33rd day, the religious holiday of Lag B'Omer, thousands of Jews flock to Djerba. The pilgrimage of Jews from all over the world to the most ancient synagogue on this day is an old tradition. As a sign of respect, it is customary to take off your shoes upon entering. And the floor is covered with carpet. Again, an amazing mixture of religious traditions.

In the center of the island of Djerba there is either a town or a village - Gellale- the center of the pottery industry of Djerba. It is here that the traditions have been preserved almost in their original form, and it is here on the hill that the Museum of Folk Traditions is located. The museum tells about the life of the inhabitants of Djerba.

Circumcision of a baby, pre-wedding hair removal, dyeing feet and palms with henna, preparing couscous, baking bread in an ancient oven - all scenes from the life of Tunisians are presented very clearly. These were the most important activities: stocking up on olive oil, weaving “melhavas” (robes), and preparing medicine for the healers. If you look closely, you will notice that all men wear a flower behind their ear. But for some it is behind the left ear, and for others behind the right. And this is not just like that. To my question, the guide explained that this is a sign, and depending on whether the man is single or married, the flower is worn on one side or the other. Convenient, right?)


Pottery is still made in the traditional way in Gellale, on a potter's wheel with a foot "drive", they squeeze oil in underground presses (so that it is better preserved in the heat) and live in authentic "khush" dwellings with a toilet outside the house. An excursion to Gellale necessarily includes a visit to one of the many pottery workshops and a ceramics store attached to it.

They have already prepared for the meeting of tourists in advance and greet them with the playing of national instruments, and oriental melodies immediately immerse them in the atmosphere. Past the large-sized clay products displayed at the entrance, one immediately leads into the workshop of a virtuoso potter. He so masterfully sculpts various vessels, decorates them with carvings or stucco moldings, produces a vase from a shapeless blank, which he turns into a jug with a slight movement of his hand, that you don’t notice how your mouth is open. And all this in just a minute!
After the master class you are invited to the store. The owner will be happy to tell you about the manufacturing technology. I really love Arabic lamps. These openwork walls of lanterns leave unique patterns on the walls and ceiling!


But, of course, we come to Tunisia to spend more time at sea. Here you can find the freshest fish, excursions to an uninhabited sandy island with “pirates”, swimming in the lagoon and lunch with seafood, and the famous fortress with the tower of Fort Borj el-Kebir on the shore of the city of Houmt Souk, and a lagoon with pink flamingos... Snow-white sand , blue water and bright sun in a blue sky... Photos from Tunisia are almost indistinguishable from shots from the Maldives, Seychelles or the Caribbean islands.


Try to guess Why are huge quantities of clay jugs stored near the shore? However, their bottom is not flat and they cannot stand. Are you giving up? These are special jugs for catching octopus and squid. They are very fond of all sorts of holes and containers, they settle in jugs and consider them their home. This is how octopuses are caught all over the Mediterranean, and these jugs are also called amphorettes.
Tunisia is a very interesting region that has been little explored by Russians. But now we have a chance to vacation there more often, the country has become more accessible, and, perhaps, will become one of the main destinations for us.

Not only the island's most famous landmark, but also its most controversial.

There are two completely opposite opinions regarding this object: some believe that the synagogue is a must-see, others that it is just a scam of tourists out of money and a waste of time. It seems to us that the problem lies in inflated expectations.

What is the El Ghriba synagogue in Djerba?

To begin with, so that there is no confusion in the future, let’s figure out what a “mushroom” is. This is the name of all synagogues in the Maghreb countries: 3 synagogues operate in Tunisia, 2 in Libya and one in Algeria. The word “ghriba” in Arabic means “strange, alien” and this reflects the special status of the Jewish traditions of Tunisia.

The synagogue on Djerba gained worldwide fame quite a long time ago; in any case, it is mentioned in sources dating back to the 18th century. The exact time of construction is unknown; the most popular and actively promoted version is that the synagogue was built shortly after the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem in 589 BC. Some of the priests managed to avoid slavery, fled from Jerusalem and even took with them a stone from the destroyed temple, which was laid at the base of the synagogue on Djerba.

There is no documentary evidence or exact evidence of the age of the El Ghriba synagogue on Djerba.

The ancient stone laid at the base of the synagogue can only be examined after special permission; it is also impossible to establish its age - since it is completely inorganic, the radiocarbon dating method will not work.

The synagogue acquired the appearance that we see in the 18th century – it was thoroughly rebuilt. From the previous building, which stood for more than two hundred years, only the foundation remains. The building itself of the synagogue itself is small; much more space is occupied by buildings for pilgrims (many premises are in extremely poor condition).

The interior of the synagogue is impressive - colorful arches, columns, stained glass windows. The interior is quite simple - wooden benches, bookcases around the perimeter. On the eastern wall of the synagogue there are many silver tablets that pilgrims leave here. There is also an impromptu “wailing wall” - anyone can leave a note with wishes and requests.

Behind the pulpit, in a special cabinet, one of the oldest Torah scrolls in the world is kept.

What you need to know before visiting El Ghriba Synagogue

• You should not plan to visit the synagogue on Saturday - on this day members of the local community gather here, tourists are not allowed;
• you should not visit the synagogue on pilgrimage days - this happens after Passover on the holiday of Lag B'Omer (floating dates: in 2018 - May 2, in 2019 - May 23, in 2020 - May 12, the celebration begins 4 days before the date), click here Numerous pilgrims flock from different countries; the synagogue is closed to tourists at this time;
• There is no strict dress code, but men and women must have their heads covered, you can take scarves or yarmulkes from the entrance, but Better stock up on your hats;
• the rules of conduct are the same as in any other place of worship - do not make noise, turn off mobile phones, do not consume food or drinks;
• Before entering the prayer hall you will have to take off your shoes; the floors are covered with mats, but better bring some socks with you;
• There is no paper or pens in the synagogue; in order to leave a note in the “Wailing Wall”, prepare it in advance;
• Entrance to the synagogue is free, but a donation of 1 dinar is welcome, and very strongly. From the caretaker, to whom you leave 1 dinar, you can immediately take a postcard on which you write your request (if you wish);
• There is a metal detector at the entrance and a search is carried out, because of this, if you come on a tour, you will have to stand in a short line.

A visit to the synagogue is a must, but don’t expect anything grand! An organized visit takes place as part of a sightseeing tour of Djerba; when visiting on your own, do not forget that just two kilometers from the synagogue in the village of Riyadh you can see still living examples of street art (Djerbahood project).

At the entrance to the synagogue territory there is a search and armed guards - even local residents are subject to inspection. This is due to two terrorist attacks that occurred in 1985 and 2002. During the latter, 21 people died, including 14 tourists from Germany. As a reminder of this there is a memorial plaque on the wall at the entrance.

Entrance fees

Admission to the synagogue is free, if you wish, you can donate 1 dinar.

Based on this, the statements of those who believe that the synagogue in Djerba is just a scam for money and nothing more are not very clear.

If you visit the synagogue as part of a sightseeing tour of the island (it usually includes a visit to the village and museum of Gellala, the city of Houmt Souk), then the cost is determined by the tour operator.

Cost of an organized excursion: adult $20-25, child $10-15 (for more information about current prices for excursions, see the corresponding section of the website).

Opening hours of El Ghriba Synagogue

summer: 09:00 – 12:00 / 15:00 – 17:00

winter: 09:30 – 12:00 / 14:30 – 16:30

Do not forget that it is better not to come here on Saturdays and days of pilgrimage, unless, of course, you are a Jew.

Location of El Ghriba Synagogue

El Ghriba Synagogue is located in the village of Er-Riadh, 500 meters from the center. TND (depending on the location of your hotel). Decide for yourself whether to use the waiting service or not; in the center of the village (about 500 meters away) finding a free car is not a problem.

Independent visit El Ghriba synagogue It is advisable to combine it with a visit to Djerbahood - there is no more than a couple of kilometers between them.

If you decide to rent a car, then immediately add to your route a visit to the village and the Gellala Museum - it is located not far from here.