Haunting images show abandoned Star Wars props deep in the Tunisian desert

This is one pilgrimage every Star Wars fan should look to make.

Deep in the deserts of Tunisia stand the abandoned sets from the first three films of the blockbuster franchise.

These surreal photographs are instantly familiar to any fan of Star Wars - they show the landscape of Tatooine, where Luke Skywalker grew up in the sci-fi blockbuster.

Tataouine is the town in Tunisia that inspired George Lucas to name his fictional desert planet Tatooine.

And while it wasn't actually used during filming, several scenes were shot just on the outskirts of the town and in the nearby beach town of Djerba.

For die-hard fans, Luke Skywalker's home still exists in Tozeur, as does the set of Mos Espa - and almost everything has been left intact over the years in the Sahara Desert.

Tunisia, where much of the sci-fi classic was filmed, was a popular tourist destination before being caught up in the 'Arab Spring' of 2011, and is now trying to rebuild its tourism industry.

The newest installment of the hit film series is set for release on December 17, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Here, MailOnline Travel takes a look at some of the fascinating sets left behind that will bring fond memories for dedicated Star Wars fans around the world.