Real Places Behind Fiction

Explore the Matmata caves of Tunisia: the invisible subterranean sanctuary of the Amazigh. Discover ancient troglodyte homes, Star Wars history, and the Dahar Mountains.

Portrait of a female author smiling in warm evening light on a city street.

Clara M.

Cidade de Deus: The Favela That Became a Symbol of Rio’s Urban Struggle

Explore Cidade de Deus, the symbol of Rio's urban violence and resilience. Learn about its origins as a failed public housing project, the rise of drug gangs, the daily struggles of its residents and how the film Cidade de Deus brought international attention to the community.

Portrait of a male author wearing a cap and backpack, smiling with a city skyline at sunset in the background.

Robinson Crusoe Island: The True Story Behind the Legend

Discover the true story behind Robinson Crusoe Island, where Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk survived alone for over four years. Explore the island’s history, ecology, and the real-life events that inspired Daniel Defoe’s classic novel.

The Stanley Hotel: America’s Most Haunted Hotel and the Inspiration for The Shining

Discover the chilling history of the Stanley Hotel, the real-life inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. From its grand opening in 1909 to its infamous ghostly encounters, explore the eerie phenomena that draw visitors from around the world.

Clara M.

Real Places Behind Fiction

- Related Locations & Stories

Matmata Caves: The Underground Homes of Tunisia’s Berber People

Cidade de Deus: The Favela That Became a Symbol of Rio’s Urban Struggle

Robinson Crusoe Island: The True Story Behind the Legend

The Stanley Hotel: America’s Most Haunted Hotel and the Inspiration for The Shining