Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Matera, Italy
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About the Hotel
The sassi of Matera – ancient cave dwellings carved into the soft volcanic rock – are believed to be some of the first human settlements in Italy, and are what constitutes Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. Inhabited until the 1950s, when Carlo Levi’s Christ stopped at Eboli created a national scandal and the inhabitants were relocated to more modern dwellings, they are now the location of one of Italy's alberghi diffusi. The alberghi diffusi are hotels distributed over existing buildings in the centers of Italian towns. They have a central reception area and café and are part of a community so that guests may be integrated into local life.
Location
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Via Civita 28
Matera, Italy
Nearest Airport: BRI
Amenities & Services
- Restaurant
- Business Services
Reviews for Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Perfect Choice for a Two-Night Stay in Matera
Sextantio was the perfect choice for our two-night stop in Matera en route to Puglia. The location was ideal, toward the lower end of the historic area, making it easy to explore. We booked four cave rooms in different categories, and each was unique and memorable. Communication and service were exceptional. The front desk helped arrange parking, restaurant reservations, and taxis throughout our stay, all easily coordinated through WhatsApp. Breakfast was excellent, with plenty of choices for everyone. A beautiful, memorable stay with outstanding service. Highly recommend!
whenzuc - Long Island, New York
Not sure I would stay again …
The GREAT: Daniel the porter, as well as the restaurant and breakfast staff - brilliant- thank you so much!! The mediocre: 1000AUD per night for a “charming” rustic cave experience at a UNESCO site was “interesting” value. No fridge and no safe in the room - not even a toilet-roll holder!! The lighting is mostly provided by candles with some dim hidden lighting. So there is not enough light to read a book. Oh - did I mention? No TV!! So make sure you have some content downloaded onto your phone or tablet. The bad: strong concert piano at breakfast and dinner is not very relaxing. Want to call out the male reception staff member starting with an ‘M’. Mate, you were BRUSQUE to the point of being almost RUDE, when I paid my account. You are “the face of the company” and supposed to provide customer service. You really need to do better. Or perhaps it’s time for a career change?? You really left me with a poor impression. In summary Sextantio is a one-off kind of place to visit. Would I come back to stay?? I am not sure I would. James from Australia.
jamesrD5484BU - Adelaide, Australia
Cave rooms were an incomparable expedience
I’m not sure I’ve ever had a trip where the experience in the hotel is as or more incredible than the surrounding gorgeous views in this inanely lovely city, but the “cave rooms” were incomparable and extraordinary. I felt like I was in 14th-century Italy, except for the wonderful shower and the Wi-Fi of course. The staff, Caterina especially, were extremely kind and helpful.
jowenmlk - Columbia, Missouri
Mind blowing experience
This is a must do. The experience was unbelievable. The cave rooms are a fantastic experience. The food, service and location are second to none.
Al K
True Matera experience!
We had a wonderful stay with my daughter! Everything was perfectly arranged, we felt taken care from the moment we arranged a booking. Breakfast in the cave was amazing with local products! Denise (surprisingly Polish speaker) was an excellent guide showing us around and explaining every detail! If you look for a real experience without artificial add ons that’s the place!
Marta N - Krakow, Poland
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