Restored cave dwellings
Hundreds of flickering candles illuminate lofty stone arches, where soft classical music echoes against raw tufa walls in a quiet cavern retreat.
Where it shines
Exceptional
Prehistoric cave dwellings carved into Matera tufa rock, anchored by a thirteenth-century rupestrian church.
Remarkable
Minimalist salvaged timber furniture, heated stone floors, and egg-shaped bathtubs set in raw caverns.
Remarkable
Distributed cave dwellings in the Sassi quarters, serving Lucanian breakfast with fresh Matera bread.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Here the hotel rooms occupy the caves themselves — needless to say the look is not exactly frilly or delicate, and the décor is untraditional.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Perched over the rugged Gravina canyon, winding stone staircases lead into the ancient Sassi quarters and surrounding rupestrian churches.
The rooms
Carved into prehistoric rock, suites pair heated stone floors and salvaged wood furniture with deep showers and Philippe Starck bathtubs.
In-room massage
Ayurvedic massages with aromatic essential oils take place by candlelight in the quiet of your own cave suite.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Cripta della Civita
Set beneath the vaulted stone arches of a rupestrian church, tables feature regional cheeses, focaccia, and traditional Basilicata recipes.
How it began
Preservationist Daniele Kihlgren spent a decade restoring these ancient cave dwellings into a distributed hotel that protects Matera's historic fabric.
Good to know
Stay here
Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.