Vetera Matera
Matera, Italy
Sassi di Matera
Vibe
Restored cave dwellings and noble palazzi connect across limestone stairways and stone courtyards in the heart of Sasso Barisano.
“Carved limestone citadel”
Subterranean tuff-stone chambers and panoramic upper suites carved into the porous calcarenite rock face.
Personalized concierge care, subterranean spa rituals, and panoramic suites featuring private hydrotherapy tubs.
Centuries-old cavern settlements and noble residences preserved along the cliffside of Matera's historic Sasso Barisano.
In the Sasso Barisano district, among the cave dwellings and cloisters of the Sassi di Matera.
“its ultra-luxe accommodations ranging from elevated suites with stunning views to subterranean refuges with vaulted ceilings and natural stone walls.”
Rooms
Rooms range from subterranean chambers carved into calcarenite rock to upper-level suites opening onto private stone terraces over the ancient city.
Wellness
The subterranean Elysium Spa features a heated calidarium pool carved into raw stone, a Finnish sauna, and a dry-floating bed.
Backstory
An eight-year restoration transformed ancient cliffside caverns and historic noble residences into a multi-level scattered retreat.
Eat & drink
Subterranean restaurant ARTEMA serves modern Lucanian cuisine in a rock-hewn chamber, while Amoni Terrace pours cocktails above the stone landscape.
The neighborhood
Step directly onto the winding cobblestone lanes of the Sassi di Matera, where Byzantine rock churches and prehistoric grottoes surround you.
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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.