Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera

Location

Imagine going back in time into a scene from ‘The Name of The Rose’ or ‘The Passion of Christ’ (it’s hardly surprising that Matera has become a film makers’ mecca) as the remake of Ben Hur (with Morgan Freeman) and Julius Caesar has also been filming here. A stay at Le Grotte della Civita is a truly memorable one!

Accommodation

The incredible 18 ‘Grotte’ or caves vary in size according to category from 30m² in a Classic ‘cave’ to 110m² in a Master Suite ‘cave’. All are designed in an open plan style (without separating doors), most with free standing roll top baths (two ‘Classic’ caves have showers only), hairdryer, slippers, air-conditioning, mini-bar and complimentary Wi-fi. Outside each ‘cave’ is a communal terrace boasting breathtaking views across the awe-inspiring canyon of the beautiful and wild Murgia national park.

Dining

Aside from the unique bedrooms and common area terraces looking across the valley, guests can enjoy a fabulous breakfast in the property’s captivating ancient church, boasting a wide range of locally produced and homemade fare, from warm ricotta cheese to freshly squeezed orange juice and delicious cakes brought to you directly from the oven.

Facilities

Explore the myriad of steep and winding alleyways which snake their way around Matera’s enchanting historic centre, offering old artisanal shops, ancient churches with archaic frescoes and an imposing cathedral. The ‘modern’ part of Matera is equally appealing and presents a vast array of stylish shops, alluring piazza’s where you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz and watch the world go by and excellent local trattorias, such as ‘Trattoria Lucana’ (apparently Mel Gibson’s favourite haunt whilst filming The Passion of Christ).

Walkers and nature lovers will be in their element here. The canyons and national parkland surrounding Matera boast beautiful wild flowers during the springtime and a wide variety of rare birdlife, especially birds of prey, including the Lesser Kestrel.