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  Places of Interest Jerba    
 
  JERBA

Jerba is reputed to be the mythical island of the Lotus Eaters where Ulysses and his crew landed during his Odissey. It is one of the most popular resort destinations in Tunisia for European tourists. The romantic, sun-kissed island is known for its significant number of white walled mosques and its formerly sizable Jewish community (dating from 600 BC). Jerba remains a pilgrimage destination for Jews whose arrival peaks in May. At this point it becomes difficult to book hotels on the island.

The Ghriba Synagogue
The Ghriba Synagogue is thought to be one of the oldest Synagogues in the world. While the upper building was reconstructed in 1920, the synagogue stands on an ancient stone said to have fallen miraculously from the heavens. The interior is beautifully decorated with blue tiles and plaques commemorating families who have made donations. This synagogue houses one of the oldest Torahs in the world brought with the fleeing Jewish population after the destruction of the Temple of Solomon.

Guellala
Famous for ceramics made from clay extracted from nearby hills and purified in sea water. When clay from this area is put into the sea it turns white! There are interesting examples of the traditional Berber method of pressing olives and pottery firing can be observed.

In addition, there is a new museum (Gullala museum) nicely located on the top of the hill. It is modelled on a "housh", the traditional Jerban house. It exhibits mostly traditional Jerban customs & daily life dealing with circumcision ceremonies, weddings...

Sidi Zitouni Museum (Houmt Souk)
A wonderful little museum to wander through. Contains a good collection of traditional wedding costumes and jewelry originating from Muslim, Jewish, and Berber communities. Unfortunately there is very little information available in this museum. If you are without a guide you are left with little option but to guess at the significance of the elaborate ceremonial adornments.
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