Star Wars locations in real life

Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

The beautiful island backdrop was used as plate photography for the planet Kashyyk, Chewbacca’s birthplace, in “Revenge of the Sith.”

Yuma Desert, Arizona

Buttercup Valley was used to shoot the Sarlacc Pit sequence in “Return of the Jedi.” This took more than 5 months to build with more than 5,500 cast and crew members lodging in Yuma in 1982.

Tikal, Guatemala

In “A New Hope,” George Lucas used ancient Mayan ruins located in Guatemala’s Tikal National Park as the exterior of the Rebel Alliance’s Massassi outpost on the fourth moon of Yavin.

Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway

The snowy battle scene on the ice planet Hoth in “The Empire Strikes Back” was filmed on the 6th largest glacier in Norway.

Finse, Norway

Also used in “The Empire Strikes Back,” The town of Finse is the location of Luke Skywalker’s escape from Wampa Cave as well as his interaction with Obi-Wan Kenobi before he is rescued by Han Solo. They were both shot outside of the 1222 Hotel.

Death Valley, CA

It’s here where the desert planet of Tatooine come to life, first in “A New Hope,” when Obi-Wan Kenobi meets Luke Skywalker, C3-PO and R2-D2 for the first time, and in “Return of the Jedi” when C-3-O and R2-D2 travel to Jabba’s palace.

Mount Etna, Sicily

Although Lucas didn’t actually shoot on the volcano, which was erupting during filming, it is used as a backdrop for the lightsaber battler between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker at the end of “Revenge of the Sith.”

Redwood National and State Parks, California

The Redwoods transformed in to the Forest Moon of Endor, the Ewoks’ home world for several scenes such as the speeder bike chase and the Ewok Ambush in “Return of the Jedi.”

Palace of Caserta, Italy

The interiors of Theed Royal Palace on Naboo in “The Phantom Menace” and “Attack of the Clones” were filmed at this location. It is also the largest royal palace in Italy.

Seville, Spain

The Plaze de España was used for the exterior of Theed on Naboo in “Attack of the Clones.” Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala walk through the plaza before they go into hiding in the Lake country.

Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia

This location, also known as “The Star Wars Hotel” was used as the Lars Homestead, which was Luke Skywalker’s childhood home in “A New Hope.” Guests can now dine in the Lars’ family dining room which is now the hotel restaurant.