Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita – Matera, Sleeping in History’s Hollow
Ancient cave dwellings reborn as a sanctuary of monastic elegance
From Slum to UNESCO Treasure
Matera’s “Sassi” caves—once a humble warren of dwellings carved into golden tufa—have evolved from poverty-stricken past to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among them, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita stands as an icon of preservation and transformation, inviting guests to inhabit history while gazing out over the dramatic Gravina canyon.
Design That Defers to the Past
Here, less is everything. The caves retain their weathered walls, organic curves, and earthen textures, illuminated by flickering candlelight. Rustic wooden tables, simple cupboards, and iron bed frames replace unnecessary ornament. There are no televisions, no minibars—only the raw poetry of space, light, and silence.
A Soulful Alternative to Luxury as Usual
By embracing restraint, the property achieves a rare kind of opulence—one measured in authenticity rather than excess. It’s a place for those who want not to escape history, but to step directly into it.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is pure, distilled Matera—ancient, unvarnished, and unforgettable. For travelers seeking an experience that honors the past with quiet reverence, this cave hotel offers a stay like no other.
