Matmata: Attractions and more...
The most popular activity in Matmata is a tour of the traditional troglodyte dwelling; located around the village, many are still inhabited by local families and are open to tourists.
These homes are created by digging a crater and enlarging it into artificial caves as rooms. Usually each crater is two stories deep, complete with doors, staircases and rooms; there are no windows. Most of these pits and craters are camouflaged in the desert surroundings. These invisible villages were first mentioned in the 4th century.
The Hotel Sidi Driss is famous for being the scene where the Lars homestead in Star Wars was filmed. The Hotel opened in 1968 and is at the centre of the town. There is a small museum behind the Hotel Sidi Driss, displaying local history.
Matmata’s Handicraft Centre is worth a visit. Be sure to pick a typical local Oudhref carpet from here.
Other side trips include taking a camel safari into the desert and to the stone village of Tamezret.
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