Giulietta nei Sassi

Giulietta nei Sassi is a guesthouse in the Sassi, and the name hints at a personal, romantic style. Small properties like this one thrive in Matera because the old town is made of small spaces: a vaulted room here, a terrace there, a courtyard reached by a stair. Staying in one makes you part of the neighbourhood rather than a visitor passing through. Exact room types, decor and services should be checked when you book, because guesthouses vary widely in what they offer. Expect compact rooms with stone walls and characterful details, a short walk to cafes and cave restaurants, and a quiet atmosphere at night once the day trippers leave. It is a good fit for couples, solo travellers and friends on a short break. Arrival is the part that needs thought. The Sassi are a maze of lanes, many of them closed to vehicles, and finding a door in the dark can be difficult. Contact the property in advance, share your arrival time, and ask for clear directions or a meeting point. The reward is a stay in a place that feels like Matera, with the soundtrack of church bells and the light of the stone at dawn.

Because guesthouses are small, small details matter. Check bed types, whether bathrooms are private, and whether rooms have windows. In cave-style spaces, natural light can be limited, and a room with a window or terrace may feel more comfortable for longer stays. Ask about air conditioning in summer, heating in winter and the level of noise from nearby lanes or neighbours.

The pleasure of the location is in the details around it. Early mornings in the Sassi are quiet and golden, with few people and soft light. In the evening, lamps come on and the stone glows. A stay at this scale lets you enjoy both, then retreat to a cool room when the heat or crowds build. Walks to viewpoints and churches are short, and guided tours often begin nearby.

Bring a small bag if you can. Hauling a large suitcase up steps is miserable, and some lanes are cobbled or uneven. If you have a car, ask where to park, since restrictions apply in much of the old town. If you arrive late, check whether staff can meet you, because some small properties have limited hours.

Book early in spring and autumn, when Matera is busiest, and check the cancellation terms. For a romantic trip, ask about special touches such as breakfast on a terrace or a room with a view. For a practical trip, ask about luggage storage on the day of departure. In a place as unusual as Matera, a small guesthouse in the Sassi is a fitting way to stay.