Matmata

Matmata, about 45 km southwest of Gabès, is known for its troglodyte houses. Instead of building upwards, Berber families dug a large circular pit several metres deep into the soft ground, then carved rooms into its walls; the courtyard stays cool in summer and mild in winter. Some families still live this way and show visitors their homes. The Hotel Sidi Driss, made of several connected pits, was used in 1976 as the interior of the Lars homestead, Luke Skywalker's home in the first Star Wars film, and still has set decorations. The road from Gabès climbs through bare, eroded hills.