Matmata in Tunisia - cave houses, Star Wars, viewpoints

Matmata in Tunisia is a small Berber village in southern Tunisia, where people have traditionally lived in underground caves. Today, the village is known for its unique cave architecture - but also as the setting for two of the Star Wars films.

Matmata in Tunisia

The special cave houses of Matmata in Tunisia tell an interesting story. Perhaps it is not surprising that the Berbers, the indigenous people of North Africa, once chose to live in caves. These underground dwellings could provide protection from both heat and intruders.

In modern times, the caves have inspired the Star Wars settings on the planet Tatooine, and scenes in two of the films have been filmed here.

Matmata is located in the southern part of Tunisia, about 44 kilometres south of the capital Tunis. Not far from here is the Tunisian town of Tataouine, which inspired the name of the Star Wars planet Tatooine.

Caves in Matmata

The old part of Matmata is home to a number of caves, some of which have been abandoned. The caves were used for a long time as housing for the Berbers, but when a severe flood hit the village in the late 1960s, some were forced to abandon their caves, and today there are also dwellings above ground.

Although many of the old caves have been abandoned, some are still used as homes and others as simple hotels. In many places, villagers receive tourists in the inhabited caves, and you can thus get an insight into cave life. We never peeked into any of the private caves, but we did see the cave used in the filming of Star Wars.

Star Wars filming location in Matmata

The Sidi Driss cave and hotel was already used as a filming location for 'Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope' in 1976. It was also used in 2002 for the film 'Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones'. After seeing the films, it's a special feeling to come here!

The "Lars homestead" in the film served as the home of the Lars family for at least three generations. It was home to protagonist Luke Skywalker, his uncle Owen Lars and Owen's wife Beru Lars.

The family in the film are 'moisture farmers', who work to extract water from the air and then sell this exclusive and sought-after product. A picture on one of the walls shows what the home looked like in the film.

The cave is built like a traditional Berber cave, and to visit it is to peek into Berber culture and a Star Wars fantasy world at the same time.

In one place you can step into a vault, and surely this place felt a bit familiar?

Yes, this is where Luke Skywalker once sat in the film world with Owen and Beru Lars. Today, the old worn photo from 1976 hangs on a wall in the room.

When the actors were shooting the film in the 1970s, they stayed in the cave/hotel room at the same time. According to what we were told, film producer and director George Lucas stayed in room number 16. If you want to get even more of a Star Wars feel, it might be an idea to check into the hotel and stay here for a night!

Viewpoint just outside Matmata

When we left Matmata, by car, it was to drive towards the island of Djerba. However, we stopped just after Matmata to check out a viewpoint, which, given the number of people, seemed very popular.

As well as a great view, there were camels and chained birds of prey, and their owners hoping to make a profit by offering rides or photos. Of course, we would have preferred the birds to be free, but at the same time you have to understand that people are trying to find ways to make a living.

We settled for checking out the views, before continuing the car journey.

Lunch at Dar Ayed

Just over a mile from Matmata we stopped for lunch, at the Dar Ayed in Tamezret. It has a restaurant, a hotel and a small lookout tower.

The restaurant is actually downstairs, but we asked to be served at a table in the grounds with a lovely view, and that was fine.

There was a lot of food, and it was good! We started with some olives and a spicy mess and some tuna salad to share. Then it was time for a traditional Berber soup with pasta / dumplings and meat.

The main course, consisting of lamb, was cooked in and served from a large clay pot. The meat was very good and tender!

Before moving on, we hung out for a while in the relaxing environment, and we also took the opportunity to check out some hotel rooms.

We have to say that this boutique hotel was really cosy and charming. Each room is decorated in its own style, and several of the beds are nicely placed under arches. There is also a pool and sauna.

Viewing point at Dkhilet Toujane

Our last stop on this car journey, before reaching the island of Djerba, was at Dkhilet Toujane. Here we stopped first so we had a view of the valley below, with residential houses, horses and donkeys.

We then parked so we could see the village from a different angle. Apparently in this area there are also plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for mountain bike tours. We enjoyed the view and then continued towards ... Djerba!

Film from Matmata in Tunisia

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

We highly recommend a visit to the island of Djerba, where you can experience beaches and thalassotherapy, but also see museums, crocodiles, street art and a beautiful synagogue. Other exciting destinations include Douz and Tozeur, which offer desert adventures, oases and even more Star Wars locations.

Have you visited Matmata in Tunisia?

Have you visited Matmata in Tunisia? Do you like Star Wars? Tell me, tell me!

Facts about Matmata in Tunisia

• Country: Tunisia
• Location: Southern Tunisia, about 44 miles south of the capital Tunis.
• Population: Approximately 4000
• Known for: Housing in caves, and filming location for Star Wars.

History in Matmata

• 1969: Intense rainfall over 22 days led to flooding, causing several cave dwellings to collapse. After this, with the help of the authorities, above-ground dwellings were also built. However, many continued to live underground.
• Today: Matmata is a popular tourist destination, both to see cave dwellers and to see the filming location of Star Wars.

Matmata in the world of cinema

• Star Wars: The Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata was used in 1976 as a filming location for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. In 2002, it was used again for Star Wars Episode II - Attack of the Clones.
• Call of Duty: Two missions in Call of Duty: Finest Hour were shot outside Matmata, as well as one mission in Call of Duty 2.
• Black thirst: The film, based on a Swiss author's book, was shot here.