El Ghriba Synagogue | |
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![]() Interior of El Ghriba Synagogue | |
Religion | |
Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism |
Rite | Maghrebi (Tochavim) |
Status | Pilgrimage site |
Location | |
Location | Djerba, Tunisia |
Geographic coordinates | 33°48′50″N 10°51′34″E / 33.81389°N 10.85944°E |
Architecture | |
Style | Moorish |
The ancient El Ghriba Synagogue (Arabic: كنيس الغريبة), also known as the Djerba Synagogue, is located on the Tunisian island of Djerba. It is situated in the Jewish village of Hara Seghira (currently known as er-Riadh), several kilometres southwest of Houmt El Souk, the main town of Djerba.
The synagogue appears to be the oldest synagogue in the world.[1] Besides being the center of the island's Jewish life it is also a site of pilgrimage. While extensively renovated in the 19th century CE, the buildings may date to the 6th century BCE:[1] one of the legends associated with its founding claims that either a stone or a door from Solomon's Temple or the Second Temple is incorporated in the building.