El Ghriba Synagogue
كنيس الغريبة
One of the oldest surviving synagogues in North Africa, with exquisite blue-and-white tiles and arched-window decorations. It is the spiritual center of Djerba’s Jewish community.
The synagogue is located in Hara Sghira, near the village of Erriadh. Tradition holds that it was founded after the destruction of the First Temple in the 6th century BCE. The current building was rebuilt between the late 19th and 20th centuries. Inside, blue ceramic tiles, wood carvings and stained-glass windows are very fine, and it holds ancient Torah scrolls. Djerba is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in North Africa. Entry is about 10 dinars (check on site). Visitors must remove their shoes and dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees; women can borrow a shawl. The synagogue is closed to visitors on Saturdays (Shabbat). There is a security check at the entrance, so please cooperate with identity checks.
Opening hours
Sun–Fri approx. 09:00–16:00 (closes earlier on Fridays); closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays
Nearby sights
- Djerbahood (Erriadh Street Art Village)
- Djerba
- Houmt Souk Medina & Souks
- Museum of Traditional Heritage of Djerba
- Borj Ghazi Mustapha (Borj el-Kebir)
- Guellala Heritage Museum
- Guellala Pottery Village
- Fadhloun Mosque