The Ghriba synagogue, a treasure to be discovered

It is believed to be the oldest synagogue in the world, dating back to 586 BC! It was founded by priests from Solomon's temple in Jerusalem after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar that same year. They are said to have taken a part of the destroyed temple and inserted it into the synagogue. A stone incorporated into one of the vaults is said to be the original stone brought back from Jerusalem, but there is no proof of this. The synagogue at La Ghriba is the site of an annual pilgrimage to mark the Jewish festival of Lag Ba'omer (33rd day of Passover), which attracts several thousand pilgrims each year. It was damaged by an Islamist attack in 2002.

It's the oldest synagogue in Africa and one of the oldest surviving religious sites in the world! A sacred place of great beauty. The interior, adorned with painted woodwork, earthenware, mosaics and stained glass windows, is truly remarkable. You have to take off your shoes and put on a yarmulke. Rabbis read passages from the Torah. A place steeped in history and full of emotion, it also bears witness to the tolerance of Tunisians.

Light years away from the club hotels of Djerba, this charming hotel is housed in several old traditional houses in the heart of the island, far from the beaches. La Ghriba synagogue is just 1 km away, so allow a quarter of an hour's walk!