Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita: Sleeping Inside the Ancient Caves of Matera
There are some hotels that are simply a place to sleep, and then there are hotels that become part of the destination itself. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita falls firmly into the second category.
Set within the ancient Sassi district of Matera, this cave hotel is built directly into caves that have existed for centuries. Walking through Matera already feels different from almost anywhere else in Italy. Stone staircases wind through the hillsides, old cave dwellings blend into churches and homes, and the entire city seems carved directly into the rock itself. Arriving at Sextantio feels like stepping even further into that world.
What makes the hotel stand out is that it does not try to overmodernize the caves or turn them into something sleek and polished. The stone walls, candlelight, old wooden furniture, and original architecture are still what you notice first. Even with the modern comforts added in, the rooms still feel deeply connected to the history of Matera.
The Cave Suites
The rooms at Sextantio are unlike anything most travelers have probably experienced before. No two are exactly alike, and many of them feel enormous because of the scale of the caves themselves. High stone ceilings curve overhead, archways divide different parts of the suites, and soft lighting reflects against the rough limestone walls.
Some suites include freestanding bathtubs tucked into separate cave chambers, while others open toward terraces overlooking the ravine and the rock churches carved into the cliffs across from Matera. At night, the candlelight completely changes the atmosphere of the rooms. The caves become incredibly quiet, and the entire space feels warm, calm, and far removed from modern city life.
The bathrooms are easily some of the most memorable parts of the hotel. Instead of feeling like standard hotel bathrooms added onto the caves, they are integrated directly into them. Stone sinks, soaking tubs beneath vaulted ceilings, carved limestone showers, fireplaces, and candlelit corners make many of the bathrooms feel almost like private underground retreats.
Despite how dramatic the spaces look, the rooms still feel comfortable rather than overly formal. The hotel keeps the focus on the caves themselves instead of filling the suites with unnecessary luxury details.
The Atmosphere
One of the things people seem to remember most about Sextantio is how quiet it feels. The thick stone walls soften nearly all outside noise, and much of the property is lit with candles and warm lighting rather than bright overhead fixtures.
This is not the kind of hotel built around resort amenities or a busy social scene. There is no massive lobby, sprawling pool area, or oversized spa complex competing for attention. Instead, the property feels intimate and personal, almost as though you are staying inside a beautifully preserved part of Matera itself.
The hotel does offer massage and wellness experiences, but they feel understated and connected to the atmosphere of the caves rather than separate luxury amenities. Everything about the property feels designed to encourage people to slow down a little.
Even moving through the hotel becomes part of the experience. Stone corridors, terraces overlooking the ravine, staircases carved into the rock, and hidden corners throughout the property make it feel less like a traditional hotel and more like part of the ancient city itself.
Dining at Sextantio
One of the most memorable parts of staying here is breakfast inside the Cripta della Civita, a restored rock church built directly into the stone. Long communal tables sit beneath vaulted ceilings lit by candles, creating an atmosphere that feels quiet and intimate rather than formal.
The food itself stays rooted in the traditions of Basilicata and Southern Italy. Fresh breads, pastries, cheeses, fruit, honey, olive oil, and local specialties are served in a way that feels simple and authentic rather than overly styled.
The hotel also offers private dining experiences inside the caves, where candlelit tables, fireplaces, and the surrounding stone architecture create an atmosphere that feels incredibly unique to Matera. Rather than elaborate fine dining, the focus stays on regional dishes, handmade pastas, local wines, and traditional flavors.
The Setting in Matera
Sextantio is located within the Civita area of the Sassi, one of the oldest sections of Matera and easily one of the most visually striking places in Italy. Matera does not really feel like anywhere else in the country. At times it barely feels like Italy at all. The city rises from limestone cliffs in layers of caves, terraces, churches, and staircases that seem to disappear directly into the rock. Early mornings and evenings are especially beautiful, when the crowds thin out and the entire city begins glowing beneath the lights.
Staying at Sextantio makes it possible to feel fully immersed in that setting rather than simply visiting it during the day.
Why This Hotel Feels So Different
Sextantio is less about traditional luxury and more about atmosphere, history, and connection to place. Nothing about the hotel feels disconnected from Matera itself. Every detail, from the candlelit cave rooms to the terraces overlooking the ravine, feels tied to the surrounding landscape and history of the city.
What makes the experience memorable is not excess or over the top amenities. It is the feeling of sleeping inside spaces that have existed for centuries while still feeling comfortable, welcoming, and surprisingly intimate at the same time.
For travelers planning a trip through Southern Italy, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers one of the most unique hotel stays in Italy and one that feels impossible to separate from Matera itself.
Finding the right hotel often shapes the entire experience of a destination. If you are planning Italy and want help building a trip around stays like this one, feel free to reach out here.
*Images courtesy of Sextantia.