Some hotels look luxurious. Others — like Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita — feel alive. You don’t just stay here; you step into another time. The air smells of wax and stone, the walls breathe history, and the soft flicker of candles turns silence into something sacred.
I remember walking down the narrow steps of Sasso Caveoso at dusk. The sun had just dropped behind the ravine, painting everything gold. Then I found it — a small wooden door carved into rock, marked Le Grotte della Civita. Inside, the world slowed down. My cave room glowed softly; uneven walls caught the candlelight, and I could hear faint music drifting from somewhere outside. It wasn’t fancy — it was authentic. The kind of beauty that doesn’t try too hard.
That’s Sextantio’s secret. Every linen, every handmade pot, every crack in the wall exists with purpose. It’s not a hotel that imitates the past — it honors it. You feel it in the stillness, in the warmth of the stone, in the way time seems to stop.
If that sounds like your kind of magic, check out my full guide to Best Cave Hotels in Matera: Sleep Inside History — they’ll change the way you think about travel.
Table of Contents
The Vision Behind Sextantio
When entrepreneur Daniele Kihlgren first visited Matera in the 1990s, the Sassi were abandoned — a ghost town of collapsed roofs and forgotten families. He saw something else: a living museum that could teach the world about simplicity and dignity.
Through his Sextantio project, he restored 18 cave dwellings in Sasso Caveoso, transforming them into an ethereal hotel that feels like a monastery and a museum at once. The goal wasn’t to add luxury but to reveal it — in silence, space, and authenticity.
If you’re curious to see more of this incredible city, check out Discover Matera, Italy: Explore the Ancient Cave City — it’s a full guide to wandering the Sassi, uncovering hidden churches, and really feeling the history come alive and more details or to explore booking options, visit the Official Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita Website.
Design & Atmosphere — Minimalism as Luxury
Walking into a Sextantio room feels like stepping into a painting. There are no televisions, no plastic fixtures, no bright lamps — just stone, linen, and light. The beds are hand-carved wood, the bathrooms cut directly into rock, and the furniture crafted by local artisans.
Key Design Elements
Walls and floors restored with original limestone techniques.
Beeswax candles for lighting — a symbol of peace and purity.
Hand-woven fabrics from Lucanian villages.
Ancient ceramics and iron details sourced locally.
And if you’re into this kind of thoughtful design and heritage preservation, you should check out my article on Matera Museums & Artistic Revival. It dives into how the city turned its caves and ruins into one of Europe’s most inspiring cultural renaissances — proof that art, history, and community can coexist beautifully when handled with care.
Rooms and Suites — From Simplicity to Sanctuary
Each of Sextantio’s 18 suites tells its own story. Some were once shepherds’ homes; others were storerooms or chapels. The architecture was kept intact, so no two rooms are the same.
| Suite Name | Unique Feature | Ideal For |
| Suite 15 | Grand arched ceiling & ravine view | Romantic getaways |
| Suite 7 | Stone bath carved into the floor | Design lovers |
| Suite 12 | Connected double rooms | Families or friends |
| Suite 4 | Original bread oven and tools preserved | History enthusiasts |
💡 Traveler Tip: Suite 15 books months ahead — reserve early.
💬 Guest Review by Calum J
“Quite simply, one of the top three places that we have stayed, EVER. From the moment that you turn the corner to see the old town laid out before you, this place is utterly captivating. We stayed in a suite of four caves, and I mean caves, immensely comfortable but without any obvious “modernity”. The whole hotel is breathtaking, set in a town that is a UNESCO site – a must for everyone, before you die.”
TripAdvisor Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 (2,011+ reviews)
👉 Read more on TripAdvisor
Details That Matter
Floor candles illuminate rough stone textures.
Underfloor heating for winter comfort.
Organic bath products with local olive oil extracts.
Rustic writing desks and hand-stitched bed linens.
Breakfast in a 13ᵗʰ-Century Church
Few hotels actually let you start your morning in a sanctuary — but Sextantio? For sure, they do. I remember pushing open the heavy wooden door of the old church of Santa Maria della Civita, and for a second, I just stood there. Light spilled through the arches, hitting the stone in a way that made the whole place glow softly. Somewhere in the background, quiet music floated — like the walls themselves were humming along. I breathed in, and honestly, it felt like time slowed down just for that moment.
Breakfast was simple, but the kind of simple that makes you forget you even need fancy. The ricotta was creamy, fresh, and so soft it practically melted on my tongue. The bread was warm, still smelling of the oven, with fig jam that stuck to my fingers (in a good way), and honey from Lucania that tasted like sunshine. Seasonal fruit was piled on the side, bursting with color and juice, like someone had handpicked each piece minutes before. And the coffee — I swear — it came in tiny pots, brewed slowly, poured with care, and the aroma wrapped around me like a hug. I went back for seconds. And maybe thirds. Don’t judge.
If you’re into hidden corners of Matera, you have to peek inside the city’s cave churches. Matera Churches and Cave Chapels: Sacred Art Beneath the Stone is a great guide — these places hold centuries of history, and walking through them, you can almost hear whispers of the past. Trust me, it’s the kind of magic you don’t see coming until it hits you.
From Abandonment to Revival — The History of Sextantio Le Grotte della in Matera
By the 1950s Matera was a national embarrassment: thousands lived in dark, damp caves without water or light. The government evacuated the Sassi and for decades they lay empty. When Daniele Kihlgren arrived in the 1990s, locals warned him there was nothing worth saving. He disagreed.
His vision was radical — restore without rebuilding. He partnered with Matera’s craftsmen and historians to repair the caves using ancient techniques. No cement, no steel, no paint. Each stone was placed back exactly where it had stood. What emerged was a hotel that felt less constructed and more unearthed.
The Restoration Philosophy — Preserving the Spirit of the Sassi
Authenticity Over Aesthetics
Every choice in Sextantio’s design respects what came before. Original chisel marks remain visible on walls; old smoke stains from hearths were left untouched. Even the floor patina was retained to preserve centuries of wear.
💡 Traveler Tip: Ask for a guided tour — staff can show you archaeological fragments found during the restoration.
Materials and Methods
Tufa and lime plaster mixed by hand from local quarries.
Ancient iron hinges repurposed for doors.
Linens woven on traditional Lucanian looms.
Beeswax used for lighting and wall treatment to preserve humidity.
If you’re curious about the broader heritage and why Matera is so special, check out the UNESCO – Sassi di Matera Heritage Site. Trust me, reading about it after seeing it in person makes you appreciate every stone even more.
Community and Collaboration
Sextantio didn’t arrive as a corporate project; it grew from the hands of Matera’s own people. The hotel hired local masons, weavers, and potters, reviving skills that had almost disappeared.
Local Partnerships
Ceramics from Calabria and Basilicata: used for tableware and vases.
Olive oil producers from Montescaglioso: supply soap and candles.
Regional bakeries: deliver traditional pane di Matera daily.
A UNESCO Connection — Living Inside World Heritage
When Matera became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the Sassi were recognized as “the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement.” Sextantio transformed that honor into an experience.
Guests don’t just see heritage — they sleep in it. Yet because the restoration followed UNESCO guidelines, nothing about the hotel violates the site’s authentic layout or materials.
The Sextantio Experience — Luxury in Silence
Staying here feels more like a spiritual retreat than a vacation. The hotel encourages guests to unplug — no televisions, no Wi-Fi in rooms, no background music. Instead, you hear church bells and your own footsteps on stone.
Evenings at Sextantio Le Grotte della
Wine by candlelight on the terrace overlooking the ravine.
Soft music from nearby piazzas echoing through the caves.
Private dinners for two inside ancient vaults.
💬 Guest Review by Kelly M
“Unbelievable stay!! If you can, try and book the caves, it’s really worth the experience. The hotel staff are so accommodating and friendly. Breakfast room was awesome. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be uneven and there are a lot of stairs. Highly recommend staying here.”
TripAdvisor Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 (2,011+ reviews)
👉 Read more on TripAdvisor
Dining by Candlelight — Sextantio’s Culinary Philosophy
Dinner at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is not about menus; it’s about moments. The hotel partners with local chefs who reinterpret ancient Lucanian dishes for modern travelers. Meals are served by candlelight, often inside the same caves where families once shared bread centuries ago.
Signature Experience
Handmade orecchiette with wild herbs and pecorino.
Slow-braised lamb seasoned with native thyme.
Fresh ricotta with honey from Basilicata’s hills.
Wine lists focus on small vineyards—Aglianico del Vulture, Matera Greco, and organic rosés from Metaponto.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Sextantio is a pioneer in heritage-based sustainability. Instead of building new structures, it revived existing caves—reducing construction waste and carbon impact. Lighting relies on energy-efficient LEDs behind candle fixtures, and laundry is air-dried in the southern sun.
Environmental Commitments
Renewable energy partnership with local co-op Energia Lucana.
Organic bath amenities refilled in reusable bottles.
Plastic-free operations since 2019.
Waste sorted into compost and glass recycling on site.
Sextantio and Matera’s Cultural Rebirth
The hotel became a symbol of Matera’s transformation from poverty to prestige. Artists, writers, and filmmakers who stayed here helped spread Matera’s story worldwide. It even appears in photography books and documentaries about adaptive reuse architecture.
Events & Collaborations
Hosts annual “Storie di Pietra” (Stories of Stone) art residency.
Partner of Matera 2019 – European Capital of Culture program.
Supported film productions including shorts and documentaries set in the Sassi.
A Retreat for the Soul
Sextantio is not a hotel for everyone — and that’s its strength. There’s no television, no room service menu, no digital noise. Instead, you get time — to breathe, reflect, and listen to the city’s heartbeat beneath the stone.
Recognition & Global Influence
Awards and Mentions
Condé Nast Traveler — “Top 10 Unique Hotels in Europe.”
National Geographic — “Icon of Responsible Tourism.”
UNESCO Advisor Report — Case study for heritage hospitality.
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice — #1 Boutique Hotel in Matera.
The Sextantio philosophy inspired projects in Abruzzo and Sardinia that replicate its blend of architecture, sustainability, and community.
💡 Traveler Tip: If you can’t stay overnight, book a guided visit — Sextantio offers day tours showcasing restored caves and art installations.
💬 Guest Review by great trips
“Matera is one of the ancient cities on earth. 150 rock churches. And it housed people in caves for years. The hotel takes the ancient cave and lights it. Modernizes it a bit and makes it posh with a massive link to the past who lived there. An incredible experience. Romantic. Beautiful. Nothing like it.”
TripAdvisor Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 (2,011+ reviews)
👉 Read more on TripAdvisor
Practical Information for Travelers
Location & Access
Sextantio sits in the heart of Sasso Caveoso, the southern quarter of Matera’s UNESCO district. Cars can’t enter the Sassi, so staff arrange shuttle pick-up from Via Madonna delle Virtù or Piazza San Pietro Caveoso.
Address: Via Civita 28, 75100 Matera (Basilicata, Italy)
GPS: 40.6657 N 16.6115 E
Check-in: 15:00 | Check-out: 11:00
Wear comfortable shoes — the steps of the Sassi are ancient and uneven.
Explore One Google Map
🚆 Getting There
From Bari Airport: ≈ 75 min by car or Matera rail connection.
From Naples or Rome: train to Bari, then bus to Matera Centrale.
Parking: public lots outside the historic core; the hotel arranges luggage transfer.
Rates & Booking Tips
| Season | Average Rate (€ / night) | Notes |
| Low (Jan – Mar) | 250 – 350 | Quiet & romantic, cool temperatures |
| Mid (Apr – Jun / Sep – Oct) | 400 – 600 | Ideal weather & light crowds |
| High (Jul – Aug) | 650 – 900 | Book 3 months ahead |
| Holiday (Dec) | 300 – 450 | Festive events in Matera |
Booking Directly on Official Website often includes benefits such as free wine tastings or guided UNESCO tours.
Wellness & Private Experiences in Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Sextantio doesn’t have a spa in the traditional sense, but offers holistic wellness through environment and ritual:
In-room massage therapy using olive oil infusions.
Private yoga sessions in candlelit caves.
Wine tastings by lantern light paired with local cheese and honey.
Bespoke photography sessions for couples at sunrise over the ravine.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance from Hotel | Why Visit |
| Church of San Pietro Caveoso | 2 min walk | Baroque façade & ravine views |
| Casa Noha | 5 min | Immersive UNESCO intro to Matera’s history |
| Palazzo Lanfranchi Museum | 8 min | Medieval & Modern Art of Basilicata |
| Belvedere di Murgia Timone | 10 min by car | Iconic panoramic sunrise spot |
| Rupestrian Church of Madonna de Idris | 7 min walk | Cave church carved into cliff |
Conclusion — About Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stay somewhere that actually feels alive, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita will blow your mind. Lots of hotels in Matera look fancy from the outside, but here? The magic comes from the walls themselves, the floors, the air — every stone has a story. You don’t just sleep in a room; you kind of step into another century. The faint smell of beeswax and stone, the soft flicker of candlelight, the way the walls echo footsteps — it all hits different.
I remember wandering down the narrow steps of Sasso Caveoso at dusk. The sun had just dipped behind the ravine, turning everything gold, and then I spotted a tiny wooden door carved into the rock. I pushed it open, and the world slowed. Uneven walls caught the candlelight, faint music floated from somewhere I couldn’t see, and I thought, “Yeah… this is real.”
Every detail here matters — handwoven linens, stone floors worn smooth by centuries, handmade pots tucked into corners. It’s weird. In a good way. Staying here isn’t about fancy bells and whistles. Best cave hotels in Matera don’t feel like this. Sextantio isn’t just a hotel — it’s history you can touch, smell, and carry with you.
FAQ
It’s not your usual hotel. You’re sleeping in ancient caves, with stone walls, candlelight, and handwoven linens all around. Honestly, it feels like time slows down — history you can touch and breathe.
Cars can’t reach the Sassi, so you’ll walk a bit from the drop-off. From Bari Airport, it’s about 75 minutes by car. The staff are great and can arrange shuttles or help with luggage — trust me, you’ll need it on those narrow steps.
These caves go way back — homes, chapels, storage rooms. In the ’90s, Daniele Kihlgren restored them carefully, keeping smoke marks, worn floors, and original stonework. You really feel the past around you.
Simple, raw, and unforgettable. Stone walls, vaulted ceilings, handmade furniture. Each room is unique, full of quirks and character — no two are alike.
Yes… but also, no. There’s no TV or Wi-Fi in the rooms. You’ll be unplugged, listening to footsteps on stone and candlelight flickers. Honestly, it’s one of the most relaxing stays I’ve ever had.
