Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
Matera, Italy
Sassi di Matera
Vibe
Hundreds of flickering candles illuminate lofty stone arches, where soft classical music echoes against raw tufa walls in a quiet cavern retreat.
“Candlelit cave hideaway”
Eighteen restored prehistoric cave dwellings carved into Matera tufa rock, anchored by a thirteenth-century rupestrian church.
Raw cavernous rock walls meet heated stone floors, minimalist salvaged timber furniture, and freestanding egg-shaped bathtubs.
Distributed cave dwellings throughout the ancient Sassi quarters paired with traditional Lucanian breakfasts and Matera bread.
In the Civita quarter of the Sassi, perched above the Gravina ravine facing Parco della Murgia Materana.
“Here the hotel rooms occupy the caves themselves — needless to say the look is not exactly frilly or delicate, and the décor is untraditional, to say the least.”
Rooms
Carved into prehistoric rock, suites pair heated stone floors and salvaged wood furniture with deep showers and Philippe Starck bathtubs.
Wellness
Ayurvedic and relaxation massages with aromatic essential oils are arranged directly in the candlelit privacy of your cave dwelling.
Backstory
Preservationist Daniele Kihlgren spent a decade restoring these ancient cave dwellings into a distributed hotel that protects Matera's historic fabric.
Eat & drink
A deconsecrated thirteenth-century rock church hosts organic Lucanian breakfasts and candlelit private dinners paired with local wines and regional breads.
The neighborhood
Perched over the rugged Gravina canyon, winding stone staircases lead into the ancient Sassi quarters and surrounding rupestrian churches.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.