it is the fourth of May. True Star Wars fans know: Today is the day of days. “May the 4th be with you” and all that. But you don’t have to be a devotee of George Lucas and his epic film to know that some of the franchise’s locations may seem “out of this world”. But in reality, they are closer than you think. We recommend these destinations for Star Wars fans today:
Sicilly, Italy
Mount Etna is not only the highest volcano in Europe. It is also extremely active. This came in handy for the makers when they came to shoot in 2005. For in Revenge of the Sith, the fire-breathing mountain has its Moment of Glory as Mustafar. The volcanic planet on the Outer Rim is the lair for the Separatist Council. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi fight here in the film.
More romantic are the other scenes that were shot in Italy. For example, the Palazzo Reale di Caserta near Naples served as the royal palace of Naboo. Anakin and Padme’s wedding was filmed around Villa Balbianello on Lake Como.
Hoteltip: San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel | If you are lucky, you can watch a volcanic eruption from your own balcony.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Grindelwald – even the place name sounds somehow like a fairytale. In fact, it is several villages, hamlets and farms situated in a valley basin in the Bernese Oberland. The imposing peaks of the surrounding area, such as the Eiger, Wetterhorn and Faulhorn, surround the community. As idyllic as it is thanks to its hiking trails and winter sports facilities, Grindelwald has also seen its fair share of action.
Because the place already served as part of the planet Alderaan (“Revenge of the Sith”). But not only destinations for Star Wars fans are hidden here. Scenes for James Bond “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” have also been filmed here.
Hoteltip: Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort | This lovely hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Skellig Michael, Ireland
Ahch-To is the name of the rock that serves as the backdrop for Luke Skywalker’s retreat in Episodes VII and VIII. At least in the films. Because in reality it is the island of Skellig Michael. It lies 12 kilometres southwest of the Irish mainland in the Atlantic Ocean. The remains of the monastery founded in the 7th century have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
If you like, people have always made pilgrimages to Skellig Michael. Since “Star Wars”, however, visitors regularly come by boat. There is a visitor centre selling T-shirts with a Guinness-drinking Luke Skywalker.
Hoteltip: The Shelbourne | The hotel is in Dublin and therefore at the other end of the Irish mainland. But it is beautiful. And Dublin is always worth a visit anyway.
Sevilla, Spain
It’s only a short scene. But an iconic one: Padmé and Anakin arrive outside the Palace of Naboo. A canal runs in front of it – in reality as a semicircle – and the semicircular building is 200 metres long. For the shots, they tricked it a little so that in “Attack of the Clones” the impression is given that the square is round and much larger. Its name? Plaza de España.
Hoteltip: Hotel Posada del Lucero | Historic hotel with great value for money.
Tataouine, Tunisia
The desert planet Tatooine not only takes its name from the city in southern Tunisia. Its appearance is also shaped by the actual local conditions. In 1997, Star Wars Episode I “The Phantom Menace” was filmed in Ksar Hadada. Anakin Skywalker and his mother lived here in the film. Other filming locations are 20 kilometres away in Ksar Ouled Soltane.
Or also in Djerba. Here you will find the setting of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s house and the Sidi Jmour mosque. The latter “played” the city of Mos Eisley. interior shots of the Lars Homestead were filmed in the Hotel Sidi Driss were shot in Matma. The exterior shots around Lars Homestead took place on the edge of the salt lake Chott el Djerid. Watto’s junk shop is located near Nefta in western Tunisia. In general, the country is a treasure trove for real set setters.
Hoteltip: Anantara Tozeur | Choose one of the villas with plunge pool and desert view.
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