Everyone knows the Sassi of Matera, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and considered one of Europe’s most extraordinary urban landscapes. What few people know, however, is that some of the ancient dwellings carved into the rock have been transformed into charming suites in a scattered hotel, offering visitors the chance to experience firsthand a place that tells the story of thousands of years of history.
This is Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, a hospitality project that goes far beyond the traditional concept of a hotel. Created with the aim of preserving and enhancing the area’s historical heritage, the complex is the result of a meticulous restoration project that has kept the original spirit of the spaces intact. Here, luxury is not about ostentation, but about authenticity: walls of exposed stone, furnishings crafted according to local traditions, and an atmosphere that evokes the past without sacrificing modern comfort.
The property comprises 18 caves, some of exceptional size, which have been transformed into one-of-a-kind rooms and suites. In addition, there is a common area housed within an ancient rock-hewn church, six rooms located in an 18th-century palace, and a shop dedicated to local handicrafts. Each space has been designed to tell the story of the place and offer an immersive experience in the heart of the most authentic Matera.
The hotel is located in Civita, the oldest part of the Sassi, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Gravina River. From here, the view opens up onto the picturesque Murgia Materana Park, dotted with ancient rock-hewn churches and landscapes that seem frozen in time. A panorama that has helped make Matera one of Italy’s most fascinating destinations and a natural setting chosen over the years by numerous international film productions.
The Sassi stand as an extraordinary testament to the continuity of human settlement over the millennia. Their origins date back to the protohistoric civilizations of the Bronze Age and span centuries of history, from medieval monastic communities to the peasant society that inhabited these caves until the mid-20th century. A unique heritage that tells the story of humanity’s ability to adapt to the land and shape it without ever completely severing ties with it.
In this context, Sextantio takes on a significance that goes beyond mere hospitality. The project is, in fact, a shining example of how architectural restoration can help preserve a place’s historical and cultural heritage. Staying in one of its rooms means enjoying an experience that blends history, landscape, and tradition, immersing yourself in one of the world’s most iconic and fascinating sites.
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