At first glance, the landscape of Matmata feels almost lunar — dry, silent and seemingly lifeless. Nothing suggests that life is hidden beneath the ground. Yet it is precisely below the surface where the extraordinary troglodyte houses are revealed, built by the Berbers over a thousand years ago as an ingenious response to an extreme environment. These underground homes offered protection from the intense summer heat, the cold winters, and even served as shelter in times of possible invasion.

Each house is arranged around a large circular courtyard carved into the rock, about six metres deep, from which the rooms open in the form of tunnels along the sides. A simple yet perfectly effective architectural system that keeps a stable indoor temperature throughout the year. What is most surprising is that many of these homes are not tourist reconstructions: even today, Berber families still live in them, preserving an ancestral way of life. Beyond its striking beauty, Matmata invites reflection.

This place shows that with very few resources, human beings have learned to adapt to nature with intelligence and respect. Here, the idea of home takes on a deeper meaning, closely connected to the earth, silence and simplicity.

 Matmata is one of the most iconic locations for Star Wars fans. The famous Hotel Sidi Driss served as the setting for the Lars Homestead, the home of Luke Skywalker in “A New Hope”. Its cave-like rooms, carved into the rock, still preserve some of the original film set decorations, creating a truly unique atmosphere. Walking through its underground courtyards feels like stepping straight into Tatooine, where cinema and desert blend in a magical way.

Matmata 6070 

The hotel has the originality of being one of the typical buildings of Matmata troglodyte. Served as decoration in the film recreating Star Wars Luke Skywalker's house. Simple and inexpensive.

Matmata 6070 

Authentic troglodyte house enabled as hotel. An experience to know how to live the locals. Rated number 1 in reference to the hotels in the same style. Simple and inexpensive.

Matmata 6070

Hotel made in the style of cave-houses. The only option in Matmata in this category.