For those visiting Tunisia, it is often a difficult process to choose where exactly to visit, especially with all the great sites that Tunisia has to offer. The bucket lists of many visitors to Tunisia include popular sites like Carthage, Dougga, El Jem, the Sahara, Tozeur, etc. However, many travelers to Tunisia are missing out on the many visit-worthy spots near the south-eastern city of Tatouine. In this article, I am going to feature the Tatouine region and highlight its top touristic spots for those hoping to visit the region in the near future.
Ksar Ouled Soltane– This Ksar or fortified granary is located about 20 km south of Tatouine. Ksar Ouled Soltane was originally built by the Berbers as a fort to store their precious grain from outside invaders. The unique architecture of this ksar makes it a must see for visitors in the region. This ksar was featured in the Star Wars film “The Phantom Menace” as the backdrop for the slavequarters that housed Anakin Skywalker and his mother.
The Mosque of the Seven Sleepers- This mosque is one of the oldest in Tunisia and is distinguished by its leaning minaret. This mosque is built on top of a cave, which according to legend, once housed the seven sleepers whose story is featured in the Koran. This area also features great views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to go for a hike.
Berber village of Chenini– The old town of Chenini, located 20 km west of Tatouine, is another must-visit location in the Tatouine region. This village, along with other nearby villages such as Douiret, Ghomrasen, and Guermassa, was built by Berbers into the side of a nearby mountain range to protect its people and resources from foreign invaders. Chenini offers immaculate views of the surrounding landscape. Tourists wishing to spend the night in Chenini can do so by making reservations at Dar Kenza.
Ksar Hadada- This ksar is located 30 km northwest of Tatouine. Like all ksars, Ksar Hadada was built by Berbers to store and protect grain. This ksar is most famous for being featured in several scenes in the Star Wars film ” The Phantom Menace” where its was the primary location used for the slave-quarters that housed Anakin Skywalker.