Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
Hotel · Matera ·
Cave hotel with candlelit rooms, stone walls, valley views
Cave hotel with candlelit rooms, stone walls, valley views
"Set within the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and embracing the albergo diffuso concept, these 18 cave rooms overlook the Alta Murgia National Park and deliver an experience I found unforgettable — and, as a claustrophobic and astigmatic with terrible night vision, unexpectedly vivid. Despite modern comforts like a king bed and bathtub, sleeping in the cave felt completely blind, with no natural light and only a few dim lamps and candles casting flickering shadows on the walls; even so, the night was restorative, and although the dawn didn’t wake me, I rose well rested and eager to step back into the sunlight." - The MICHELIN Guide
"Reaching this cave hotel in Matera’s Sassi takes a little forethought: I left the car on the outskirts and rode a shuttle in as the Sassi unfurled, then a porter whisked my bags while I was welcomed on the terrace with a glass of local wine and a platter of cold cuts. Each of the 18 rooms is set within its own Paleolithic cave; I collected my key by burrowing into a cave and wandered up through the hotel’s little town-within-a-town to a courtyard of honey-colored stone with vines over the doorway. Inside, the cave’s thick walls dropped the heat instantly—nature’s air conditioner—candles lit the pock-marked ceilings, and a bathroom tucked into an adjoining cave, yet it all felt palpably luxurious, with natural linens draped across the bed and a bowl of fresh fruit waiting. Stepping back out to birdsong and sweeping valley views, it somehow felt both in the beating heart of the ancient city and entirely peaceful—I happily spent an afternoon on the terrace watching clouds throw shadows across the surrounding buildings." - Liam Hess
"In a few short years the cave hotels of Matera have evolved from a novelty to one of the hospitality wonders of the world, and the progress continues. Vetera Matera’s opening marked a new high for the “albergo diffuso” genre, its ultra-luxe accommodations ranging from elevated suites with stunning views to subterranean refuges with vaulted ceilings and natural stone walls. Also carved from the porous limestone are the elegant Artema restaurant and the hotel’s elaborate Elysium spa." - Tablet Hotels
"Le Grotte della Civita offers unique accommodation in the Sassi area of Matera. Rooms and suites are set in large caves, and feature stone floors and antique furniture. The panoramic terrace overlooks the Murgia National Park. Albergo Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita welcomes guests with fresh fruit and cool water, served in a candle-lit dining area. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. All rooms are air-conditioned and uniquely decorated. The bed linen is made from antique cloth. The restaurant of Albergo Sexantio specialises in Basilicata cuisine. Breakfast is served in a former church of the 13th century. Albergo Sextantio was featured in the New York Times and Condé Nast’s Tatler." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"Le Grotte della Civita is a truly unique hotel, set in Unesco-listed Matera. Overlooking the deep Gravina gorge, the town's old quarters (sassi) are built into and over limestone caves, and interwoven by narrow cobbled streets. Inhabited since prehistoric times but abandoned in the 1950s, these remarkable underground spaces are now being reinvented as restaurants, boutiques and even art galleries.The hotel itself consists of 18 such cave rooms, all renovated over 10 years with obsessive attention to detail and utter respect for the past. We arrived on a misty night and opened our gnarled wooden door to find a 6m-high vault flickering with candles, like our own private cathedral - a truly sensational first impression. Simple wooden furniture, carved crosses and cosy nooks are the only visible decoration; but closer examination reveals concealed spotlights in the walls, underfloor heating beneath the time-worn stones and, in many rooms, an oversize egg-shaped Starck bathtub in the depths.With fantastic breakfasts, friendly English-speaking service from Michele and his team, and wonderful trattorie and ancient rock-hewn churches on your doorstep, it's an unforgettable break from your day-to-day travails. Highs Incredibly romantic, with glowing candles at every turn – and there’s a true cultural element to it, tooThe caves themselves are an architectural triumph. All are different – some have soaring ceilings and roaring fires, others spectacular views of the gorgeMatera is a beautiful town with a fascinating history. Its narrow streets and prehistoric landscape offer a taste of rural Italy that you won’t find elsewhere But it’s not just caves and old churches: there are cool boutiques, fountained squares and buzzing eateries to exploreHotel breakfasts are delicious: home-baked cakes, handmade jams, herb-dusted cheeses Lows It’s pretty hard to find, and you’ll have to park on the edge of town (though you can drop off luggage first). Be sure to bring the detailed directions provided when you bookThe caves are scattered across a slope, with public pathways in between, and it’s a steep climb to some of them from receptionStandard Rooms can be cramped – upgrade to a Superior or higher if you canExpect uneven floors and limited mod cons (no TVs, minibars or the like), though amazingly there's WiFi throughoutIt's quite expensive, especially in busy periods (April, May and August), when rates double" - Michael Cullen
