Hidden in Stone: Experiencing Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, Italy
Imagine stepping into a place where history doesn’t just whisper—it embraces you. That’s the feeling when you arrive at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, an extraordinary hotel carved into the ancient rock of Matera’s Sassi—a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993.
A Sanctuary Inside the Sassi
Matera is unlike any other city in Italy. Its Sassi quarters—carved into limestone cliffs over millennia—are living relics of human history, from the Stone Age to monastic communities of the Middle Ages. Today, these caves form the backdrop for one of the country’s most unique hospitality experiences: a hotel that feels more like a labyrinthine dream than a conventional place to stay.
Sextantio’s project restores 18 ancient caves and structures—some once homes, others sacred spaces—and transforms them into beautifully minimalist guest rooms and communal areas. Every space has been preserved with profound respect for history, retaining original shapes and materials while blending in modern comforts.
Live History, Room by Room
Walking through Sextantio feels like moving through time. You’ll find yourself in rooms framed by natural stone walls, with soft lighting highlighting textures that have stood for centuries. The minimalist design—furniture that echoes simplicity and local craftsmanship—lets the cave’s natural character shine.
Some suites are vast, with high ceilings and panoramic views overlooking the rolling landscapes of the Murgia Park and its rock-hewn churches. Others are snug, intimate alcoves that invite you to slow down and breathe. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find something magical here.
Every Detail Tells a Story
At Sextantio, the narrative continues beyond stone and decor. Guests can enjoy experiences that tie them deeper into the region’s culture and landscape:
Wine tastings and excursions through local vineyards.
Guided walking and cycling tours of Matera’s ancient pathways.
Cooking lessons and bread-making classes, celebrating culinary traditions rooted in the land.
Whether it’s savoring local produce or wandering the winding alleys just beyond your cave door, each moment becomes part of a genuine connection to place.
A Pause in Time
There’s something profoundly grounding about staying here. Without flashy distractions or typical hotel polish, Sextantio encourages you to be present—to listen to the echoes of ancient stone, feel the texture of history, and understand a place where people truly lived for thousands of years.
As dusk settles over Matera and candlelight flickers in the communal spaces once used as a church, you realize this isn’t just a stay—it’s an encounter with time itself.