Most movie sets are skilfully crafted to have just enough realism to fool viewers during the film. They are often mere shells or made from materials such as styrofoam or plywood. They are certainly not built to last.
But some of the sets used in the Star Wars movies are still standing. And what's more, you can go and visit them today. The planet of Tatooine features in four of the five movies, and George Lucas chose to use the same location for both the early movies as well as the prequels.
This location was none other than Tunisia in North Africa. A tour of the area around the town of Matmata will give you the opportunity to visit Luke Skywalker's early home, otherwise known as the Lars Homestead. This location is now a hotel and you can actually stay there for a nominal fee. Film set decorations still litter the hotel and you are quite likely to meet a suitably clad fan, dressed as R2-D2 or C-3PO, if you take a wander around the area.
There are numerous other references to the movies in the area with the three of Tatooine's moons being actual villages. Clearly Lucas was quite taken with the names found in Tunisia.
Further west, in a region called the Yardengs, you will find the complete set of Mos Espa, the childhood home of Anakin, and also the location of the famous "pod race" from the Phantom Menace.
But, if you would like to visit Mos Espa, you should hurry. The set, built in 1999, is slowly being covered by the encroaching sand dunes.
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