City of Oni
The synagogue in Oni is a magnificent example of Mauritian architecture, a concept brought from Europe by Rabin Elia Amshikashvili. The construction started in 1890 and finished in 1895 with a magnificent opening ceremony attended by many people. The synagogue is built of white limestone. The building has a quadrangle shape and a dome roof. On top of the dome there is a Star of David. Holy manuscripts were kept in the synagogue. There used to be a small house for prayer next to the large hall for prayer but now it is next to the main building. Prominent wise men, called hakhams, served in the synagogue in Oni. The most famous was Iona Buzukashvili, a handicraftsman.
The synagogue in Oni is very impressive and it is called “mini Jerusalem”. It celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2015. Nowadays many guests from Israel and other countries visit the synagogue every year.
