 Located in the Gulf of Gabes, Djerba is the largest island which is located on the northern end of Tunisia. Djerba is popular among French, German, Italian and Czech tourist. Though the largest city is Houmt-Souk, but there are other important cities like Gightis, Adjim, Bordj Djillidj, El Kantara, Guella, Midoun and many more. These different places in Djerba are famous for Roman sites, sponge-fishing, potter’s village, relaxing resorts and historical monuments.
Gightis
Gightis is just few distances away from Djorf and Médenine. The architecture style found in the excavation site of Gightis marks the influences of Greek, Egyptian and Punic. The remains that are found in the excavation site belong to the 2nd century. The excavation site features Roman baths, a rectangular complex, public buildings, temples of Apollo, Concord, Hercules, Mercury and Dionysus, market and the residences. There is also Capitoline temple in honor of the Egyptian deities Isis and Serapis. It is an excellent Roman site to visit. The findings from the site have been restored to the Bardo Museum in Tunis, Tunisia.
Houmt-Souk
Houmt-Souk is the main town of Djerba and is the center of lively markets. Lying on the northern coast, Roman settled down here recognizing its importance and named it Griba which later developed in to a trading center. The market quarter has two sections- one vaulted souk and another for the foodstuffs. You can also visit the Borj el Kebir which is a strong fortress built in the 13th century which was later re-strengthened in the 15th century. The Folk Museum which is also known as the Musée des Arts et Traditions Popularies where you can see the display of traditional colourful costumes, old jewelry, a potter’s workshop, old marriage chests. The museum is the 18th century old beautiful building Zaouia of Sidi Zitouni with charming stalactitic ceilings. One of the rooms of the building displays the old editions of the Holy Koran. You can move towards the small fishing harbor which holds its market on Monday and Thursday and shop for a range of items and souvenirs. The Strangers’ Mosque which is located on the eastern side of the old town is said to be the finest mosque in Houmt-Souk. You can take out some time to visit it.
Adjim
Adjim is famous as sponge-fishing center in Djerba. Located south-west from Houmt-Souk, you can take MC 116 which takes you to the Adjim featuring olive trees and palm groves. The place is also the site of ancient Tipasa but has few remains now.
Bordj Castille
To the southern tip of Djerba is situated the Bordj Castille. To reach to the Bordj Castille you can take the coast road from El Kantara running towards the east. Bordj Castille was constructed in the 13th century and which was further expanded in the 15th century.
Bordj Djillidj
Bordj Djillidj is located on the north-western side of the island of Djerba. You can take the road running to the west from Houmt-Souk. The tourists can visit in Bordj Djillidj an old fort dating back to 1745 which features a lighthouse.
El Kantara
El Kantara is located in the south of Djerba and features ruins of the ancient Roman town Meninx. El Kantara connects Djerba with the mainland. A Christian basilica was found with a cruciform fountain which is now placed in the Bardo Museum, Tunis. El Kantara is set in the foundation of Roman ruins. There is also a water pipeline running parallel to the north-east from the mainland.
El May
El May lies 3 Km of La Ghriba in the south-east direction. El May is a small and charming village and features the 16th century Ibadite mosque of Umm et Turkiya. However, the mosque cannot be visited by non-Muslims.
Er Riadh/ Hara Seghira
Er Riadh which was known as Hara Seghira in the ancient times is just 8 Km away from Houmt-Souk in Djerba. The town features the Hara Seghira Synagogue which is situated on Moktar Attia Street. With the decline in Jewish community, the synagogue was also abandoned and is not in a very good condition.
Guellala
Guella is the famous town of potters which lies 11 Km of south of Er Riadh. The main street is a major tourist attraction in this place. You can visit their workshops or the souvenir stalls which make and sell ceramic pots, dull storage jars which are made of ancient amphora. You can bargain for good pottery vessels and the magic camel which is a mug with a spout in the shape of camel’s head and hole in the bottom and top.
Midoun
Midoun has the credit of being the largest market town in Djerba. The inland of Midoun which extends to 5 Km is enclosed by gardens, fruit orchards and groves of date-palms. The market place of Midoun has notable souvenir shops and on Tuesdays during the main holiday season, you can enjoy a spectacular presentation of traditional wedding celebration.
Plage Sidi Maharès
Plage Sidi Maharès in Djerba is situated 9 Km away of Houmt-Souk and is believed to be the oldest and most well developed resort in Djerba. The resort which features a light-house of 54 meter high extends to some 13 Km to Ras Tourgueness.
Sedouikech
Sedouikech in Djerba is a potters’ village which is located in the south-eastern part of island of Djerba. Just 6 Km east of Guellala, you can find many sites which belong to the Neolithic age.
Plage de la Séguia
Plage de la Séguia in Djerba is a long stretch of beach of 5 Km which lies between Aghir and Ras Lalla Hadria.
Synagogue/ La Ghriba
La Ghriba in Djerba is a popular synagogue of North Africa which is situated 1 Km east of Er Riadh. It is believed that the Synagogue was built with the stone of the Solomon Temple of Jerusalem which was destroyed. According to another legend, the La Ghriba was built when a “holy stone” probably a meteorite fell in to that site. At the La Ghriba, you find fine paneling inside, some candlesticks of olden days, torah scrolls and other objects belonging to a cult.
Zarzis
Zarzis in Djerba is a famous tourist destination in the Mediterranean coast. Developed in the 19th century, this coastal town was developed by the French. The beach of the town is good for spending your time with family. In the ancient times, this port was strategically important to the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. This port is now is now an important park of economic activities. |