We Love —
- Staying in an ancient cave in the historic town of Matera.
- Enjoying a candlelit dinner in a former church carved from the rock.
- Stepping out to explore Sassi di Matera, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site close to the hotel.
Customer reviews —
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita —
Just for you:
- Aperitif tasting including glass of wine and appetisers
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is a unique boutique hotel in Matera, housed within incredible prehistoric caves that form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is located in the Cività neighbourhood, between the cathedral and the stunning Gravina canyon. Unwind with an in-room massage, where experts will work their magic in your cave dwelling with flickering candlelight and soothing music to complete the mood. Or step out and explore the nearby caves and cobbled streets of Matera, for a truly unforgettable experience.
Your room —
This offer is based on choice between a Classic Cave or a Superior Cave.
Classic Cave (30 m²)
Enjoy a romantic stay within a Classic Cave, a room which has been carved along the lanes climbing up to Matera. Fall in love with stunning views and enjoy the unique charm of your accommodation.
Superior Cave (65 m²)
Marvel at the charming stonework and vaulted ceilings of the Superior Cave. Entirely adorned with old stones, these caves encapsulate a cosy atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic escape. Indulge in a luxurious soak in the bathtub - the ideal way to unwind in the evening.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
This 4-star hotel offers warm and unique hospitality surrounded by rustic decor, cobblestone floors, and granite arches. Guests can savour local gastronomy in the hotel restaurant, a candlelit dinner in a former church, and visit the cosy bar lit by oil lamps. Cooking lessons are also available at the hotel.
Your time
Discover the local charm and fascinating history of Matera on a bike tour, and retreat back to your cave after a day of exploring, where you can choose to unwind with a relaxing massage.
Optional excursions and extras —
Guided tour of the Sassi districts of Matera
Explore the Sassi districts of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join your guide in the Sassi district in the heart of Matera for a tour of authentic neighbourhoods with many troglodyte buildings.
Your tour begins in Piazza Francesco, where you can admire the Gothic Basilica. You will then reach the Civita, the highest point in the city, with a breathtaking view of the great Cathedral of Matera. Continue along the narrow alleys to Via dei Fiorentini, where you will visit the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate.
Your guide will show you a traditional cave dwelling, where you can learn more about local crafts. Continue along Via Notre-Dame des Vertus to Porta Pistoia, which marks the boundary between the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso districts. Your guide will briefly introduce you to the church of San Pietro Caveoso before ending the tour at Piazzetta Pascoli, which has a magnificent view of the Sassi.
Audio tour of Matera in panoramic minibus
Explore Matera's historic centre on board a panoramic minibus of Matera and the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso districts. Throughout your visit, enjoy historical and cultural commentaries via the audioguide available on a mobile app.
During your tour, you'll have the opportunity to admire the Tramontano castle on top of the Lapillo hill, the Palazzo Lanfranchi, the Villa Communale dell'Unita d'Italia, the Sassi quarters, and the Casa Grotta troglodyte house named “C'era una volta” with a 10-minute stop for an included tour. You'll also see the rock churches Madonna delle Virtu and San Nicola, Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, Hotel Alvino 1884, and Cava Paradiso with Italian artworks, where you'll enjoy a 20-minute stop with admission included.
Guided tour of Matera by tuk-tuk
Discover Matera's iconic Sassi on a tuk-tuk tour. Join your local driver-guide at the pre-arranged meeting point for a unique tuk-tuk exploration of Matera. Take in the city's main sights with live commentary from your guide and the audioguide available via mobile app.
Stop off at the Chiesa del Purgatorio, notable for its grand Baroque façade, or in the main Piazza Vittorio Veneto to admire the grand Romanesque Cathedral. Continue down to the Sassi to visit a troglodyte house. Your driver-guide will make stops to let you enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, and capture some wonderful travel memories.
Visit to a traditional oil mill with olive oil tasting in the Matera region
Visit an Olivarum Basilicata award-winning family farm, where a passion for olives has been passed down for generations.
On this tour, you'll learn all about olive oil, from the orchard to the bottle, as you discover the production process. Explore the secrets of olive oil, its preservation methods, taste qualities and health benefits. Finish with a tasting of different olive oils accompanied by Matera bread.
eSIM with 1GB - 5GB internet
Enjoy easy access to the internet with a handy 1GB - 5GB eSIM, bookable at the next stage of the booking process. Install your eSIM before departure in just a few taps.
Note: please check that your phone is eSIM-compatible before departure.
Panoramic Bus Tour of the Sassi of Matera with guide in Italian and English
With the panoramic bus, you can reach the Sassi di Matera in complete comfort. Crossing the main and panoramic street, Via Madonna delle Virtù, you will discover breathtaking glimpses and views.
Your journey to Bari —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Matera —
Matera is a peaceful city, located in the province of Basilicata in Southern Italy. It is best recognised for the Sassi districts, a large rock settlement featuring limestone grottoes and ancient caves that date back to the Middle Ages.
This city is brimming with museums, festivals, and year-round concerts. Visitors can also explore the surrounding neighbourhoods filled with local shops, winding alleyways, and Baroque churches.