Matmata & Star Wars Filming Locations in Tunisia
Tunisia: The Real Tatooine
Did you know that Star Wars' planet Tatooine was filmed right here in Tunisia? George Lucas was so inspired by the landscapes of southern Tunisia that he named Luke Skywalker's home planet after the real Tunisian town of Tataouine. Several filming locations still exist and can be visited.
Star Wars filming locations
1. Matmata — Luke's Home (Hotel Sidi Driss)
The underground troglodyte dwelling used as the interior of Luke Skywalker's home in Episode IV. The Hotel Sidi Driss still operates as a hotel, and the original set decorations are preserved. You can actually sleep in Luke's home!
2. Mos Espa Set (near Tozeur)
The full-scale set built for The Phantom Menace is slowly being consumed by the desert. The buildings of Mos Espa — including Anakin's slave quarters and Watto's shop — are still recognizable and free to explore.
3. Ong Jmal (Camel Neck Rock)
The dramatic rock formation near Tozeur used as a backdrop in several Star Wars scenes. The surrounding desert landscape is otherworldly.
4. Ksar Ouled Soltane
A spectacular multi-story fortified granary (ksar) near Tataouine, used as slave quarters on Tatooine in The Phantom Menace.
5. Sidi Bouhlel Canyon (Star Wars Canyon)
A narrow gorge near Tozeur where the Jawa scenes were filmed in Episode IV. Also used for scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The troglodyte homes of Matmata
Beyond Star Wars, Matmata is fascinating in its own right. The Berber people here have lived in underground cave dwellings for centuries, dug into the soft rock to stay cool in summer (up to 50°C outside) and warm in winter.