Sextantio le Grotte della Civita

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita is one of the most unique boutique hotels in Italy. Its extravagant location in ancient caves of a UNESCO World Heritage Site sets the tone for a one of the kind experience.

The town of Matera in the South of Italy represents a spectacular and well-preserved example of a place where thousands of caves, or sassi, have been used for centuries as dwellings, churches and even palaces.

The magic of sassi

Restored from abandoned and decaying caves by architects Margaret Berg & Laura Einaudi, Sextantio The Civita Caves transports guests to the medieval times… and beyond!

The whole hotel complex has been developed in the oldest part of the sassi, “La Civita”. Some of the bedrooms are so old they have been inhabited for as long as the past 2,500 years.

The hotel oozes history—thanks to the careful preservation of the original architecture of caves and their restoration that paid respect to the local cultural heritage. The sassi were renovated using traditional, local tools and construction materials.

The chic monastic

Facing the dramatic backdrop of the Park of the Murgia and its Byzantine church domes and rooftops, the eighteen rooms of the hotel are full of rustic character.

Furniture is kept to a bare minimum. Cobblestone floors, candles, wrought iron beds draped in antique linens that seem to be pulled straight from an ancient trousseau are contrasted and complemented by minimalist contemporary amenities—such as designer showers and egg-shaped baths.

Breakfast is served in the former 13th-century church beside the hotel, on a long refectory table, laden with freshly made focaccia, mozzarella, yogurt, local honey and fruits piled into ancient ceramic bowls.

Nine millennia of history

Staying at the Albergo Diffuso in Matera is like a journey back in time—and no doubt a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yet the hotel is simply consistent with its location in the town of Matera.

One of the best-preserved towns in Europe, its history span at least 9000 years. Its streets were made famous as the backdrop to Mel Gibsons’ controversial “Passion of Christ”.

Located in the anklebone of Italy’s “boot”, it provides a wonderful contrast to the white sandy beaches and boutique hotels that dot the Puglian coastline just a short drive away.

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in our opinion

Sextantio le Grotte della Civita is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel in a spectacular destination between the Amalfi Coast and Puglia. Its sleek interiors and the ‘Middle Ages’ ambiance feel both romantic and cozy.

What we love

• The austere and unique look of the cave rooms with handmade antique furniture
• Silence, isolation and almost spiritual atmosphere
• Delicious organic breakfast served in the 13th-century church building
• Stunning location on the edge of the historic Sassi di Matera
• Only locally sourced organic food from neighboring farms supply the hotel
• Candlelit dinners and wine tastings in the breakfast room
• Ideal for couples and honeymooners who are looking for a quiet getaway

What you should know

• Some rooms have inadequate lighting and some have quite a low ceiling, something tall people will not find ideal
• There is a bit of a hike over the hill to the old town restaurants and wine bars
• The hotel is a bit hard to find
• Families with children are most welcome, although Matera itself doesn’t provide many activities for the small ones
• There is no swimming pool at the hotel
• Matera is 60 km away from the Bari airport and 250km away from Naples. Private transfers to/from Bari Airport can be arranged with the hotel
• WiFi connection can be somewhat erratic in the rooms
• Pets are permitted at no additional cost