"Exploring an Otherworldly Abandoned Citadel Off the Tourist Trail"

The abandoned citadel of Guermassa in Tunisia's Tataouine region, which provided architectural inspiration for Star Wars' Tatooine, is a spectacular but largely ignored site. Built by the Amazigh tribe, the stronghold crowns a ridge of the Dahar Mountains and is currently under consideration to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Abandoned since the 1970s due to modernization efforts, the site features dwellings carved into the rock, a labyrinthine layout, and a rich history. Despite its neglect, it remains a testament to the industry, invention, and art of the Amazigh people and is accessible for visitors interested in exploring this unique piece of history.