A visit to Matmata, Tunisia, will take you through movie history and a cultural introduction to the nomadic people who settled there.

Located about 40 kilometers from the oasis of Gabes, Sidi Driss is set in a rugged, arid environment that was deemed the perfect location for filming Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

The town was carved from the troglodyte caves centuries ago by Berber refugees. Today there is a small settlement on the surface, but most people live in the troglodyte structures and open their homes as folklore exhibitions.

Hotel Sidi Driss allows you to experience life underground in your own private grotto. The main reception is connected to 20 separate guestrooms via a series of echoing corridors and a circular courtyard.

The earthen walls regulate the temperature throughout the hotel to maintain a comfortable environment for guests. The highly affordable room rates also include a traditional breakfast each morning in the dining room.

You can also enjoy regional dishes for lunch and dinner where the actual filming of Star Wars occurred.

A French fan of the series offered her talents to help recreate the Lars homestead to make Star Wars fans feel like they are walking into Luke Skywalker’s childhood home.

Many original decorations remain intact, and the hotel is open to guests year-round. Hotel Sidi Driss is the ultimate vacation destination in Tunisia for the most diehard Star Wars fans.