Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
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BackWhat really stays with you is how quickly you let go of everyday habits. Candlelight fills the rooms, phone signals fade away, and the thick stone walls hush the usual noise of daily life. At first, you might notice what’s missing. But soon, you stop noticing at all. By your second evening, you’ll find conversations slow down, meals linger, and sleeping in a cave begins to feel surprisingly natural, slowing your relationship with time.
Matera is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, its cave dwellings carved into soft limestone over thousands of years. The Sassi district unfolds through stone staircases, narrow passageways and hidden churches carved directly into the rock. Staying at Sextantio places you within this landscape rather than simply overlooking it, allowing you to experience the city from the inside.
What makes a stay feel so restorative is the stripped-back simplicity. With soft lighting, quiet spaces and the natural calm of the caves, create an environment that encourages the breath to slow and the nervous system to settle. Even the simplest routines, reading, taking a bath or sharing a glass of wine, become slower, more mindful moments to savour.
Matera is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and the best way to discover it is on foot. Wander through stairways, cave churches, terraces and winding stone alleys, with something to see around every corner. Strolling from place to place is a chance to slow down and really connect with the city and its stories.
Dining is all about simplicity and local flavour. You’ll enjoy regional cheeses, fresh breads, olive oil and Lucanian specialities, served in beautiful stone rooms glowing with candlelight. Every meal feels like a celebration of tradition, letting you taste the true spirit of the region.
The cave suites feel remarkably cocooning. With raw limestone walls, soft candlelight and natural linens, each space is simple yet wonderfully cosy. The thick stone keeps the temperature just right and hushes the outside world, creating an unusual sense of stillness that helps you drift into a deeply restful sleep.
You can reach Matera from Bari Airport in about an hour by car. Or, if you prefer, take the train from Bari and enjoy a short taxi ride straight into the heart of the historic centre.
Children are welcome here, but with the unique cave layout, historic charm and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a place that’s especially lovely for couples and older travellers.
Take time to explore the Sassi on foot, visit ancient cave churches, discover Matera’s fascinating archaeological history and soak up the lively atmosphere in the city’s piazzas and restaurants. If you’d like to learn more, guided walking tours are a wonderful way to get to know one of Italy’s most remarkable historic places.
Experiences can be arranged through your Wellness Traveller concierge.
Sassi di Matera (direct access), Matera Cathedral (10 minutes), Casa Noha (10 minutes), MUSMA Sculpture Museum (10 minutes), Murgia Materana Park (20 minutes).
At Sextantio, the focus is on preserving the caves' spirit, not reinventing them. Traditional materials, local craftsmanship, and careful restoration have preserved these ancient dwellings, helping ensure Matera’s heritage stays intact for generations to come.
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