Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita

Few places let you sleep inside the history you came to see, but this one does. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is a hotel whose rooms occupy former cave dwellings in the Civita area of the Sassi, the oldest part of the city, close to the Sasso Caveoso side of the ravine. The idea is to preserve rather than to modernise: vaulted stone ceilings, bare rock walls, simple furniture and low light create an atmosphere that feels closer to a monastery than a standard hotel. Rooms are scattered along stepped lanes and terraces, so reception and the rooms are not in a single block, and the stay involves walking up and down on stone. Guests choose it for the sense of place, a quiet at night that few hotels in Italy can match and the feeling of waking up inside the rock. It is a good choice for couples, history lovers and anyone who has come to Matera mainly for the Sassi. It is less suited to travellers who need modern conveniences in every corner, step-free access or a bustling lobby scene. Because details such as room types, facilities, breakfast arrangements and check-in procedures can change, confirm them when you book before you travel. Expect an upscale price compared with the other hotels in this guide, reflecting the setting and the limited number of rooms.

Location is the point. From the door you are minutes from the cathedral on its ridge, the churches of the Sasso Caveoso and the viewpoints over the ravine, and walks in the early morning or after dark, when day trippers have gone, are a particular pleasure. The surrounding lanes are quiet in the evening, and the stone is warmed by lamps. Restaurants, bars and shops are a short walk away, though every route involves steps.

Cave rooms behave differently from standard rooms. They are cool in summer and can feel cool and damp in winter, so check heating arrangements. Light is limited, with small windows or none in some rooms, which is part of the charm but may not suit everyone. If you need natural light, ask about room types with openings or terraces. Light sleepers should ask about noise, since lanes carry sound at night and morning.

Getting there takes planning. Cars cannot reach many Sassi lanes, so you may need to park outside the restricted area and walk or arrange a transfer. Ask the hotel about parking and luggage assistance before you arrive. Travellers with mobility limits should discuss access carefully, since the property is built on a slope.

This is a place to book for the atmosphere and the history, not for a gym or a pool. Combine it with a guided Sassi walk on your first morning, a sunset at the canyon viewpoints and dinner in the old town, and you will experience Matera at its most evocative. Book early for spring and early autumn.