Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita descritpion

Hotel Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita sells fast on our site. Le Grotte della Civita offers unique accommodations in the Sassi area of Matera. Rooms and suites are in large caves, and feature stone floors and antique furniture. The panoramic terrace overlooks the Murgia National Park.
Albergo Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita welcomes guests with fresh fruit and cool water, served in a candle-lit dining area. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
All rooms are air-conditioned and uniquely decorated. The bed linens are made from antique cloth.
The restaurant of Albergo Sexantio specializes in Basilicata cuisine. Breakfast is served in a former church of the 13th century.
Albergo Sextantio was featured in the New York Times and Condé Nast’s Tatler.

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Facilities of Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Free!Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

Activities ：Cycling | Massage | Bicycle Rental | Entertainment Staff

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Snack Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Private parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is needed) and costs EUR 20 per day.

Reviews for Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Review 1：None

Review 2：The most unusual "hotel" I have stayed in. The best hotel experience. I booked a classic room but it was promoted to superior for free, which was a really nice and appreciated! Really nice and cosy cave with low light and candles, warm floor! Cleaner then in my flat where a cleaner comes for a day every week )) Super breakfasts! Perfect location in terms of getting there even by car, and of getting to old city center. And of course Matera, just to walk around the building, following the steps up and down. Nice views. In my opinion Sassi is a very nice place for a few days stay!

Review 3：Staff was impeccable, especially Aunt Nunzia, she was fabulous. They made our experience even better than expected. The breakfast was the best we have had in Italy!

Review 4：A unique special place to stay in another epoque with authentic decoration and materials. Special thanks for giving us the opportunity to live this unforgetable experience!!!

Review 5：A small fridge would be good, although I understand the minimalist feel of the property. The cave can get very warm so food etc goes off very quickly. Also a info guide on things to see and do in the room would be handy

Review 6：Definitely a once in a lifetime experience living in a cave. The location is amazing, local produce for breakfast is delicious. Comfy bed.

Review 7：Stunning and unique rooms. The free upgrade was also very nice! Breakfast was incredible. Waking up to views across the valley was also lovely. The staff were so friendly and helpful, any problems we had were sorted immediately. We were given great restaurant recommendations, and tips for what to visit in the town.

Review 8：Nothing was bad be prepared to walk hundreds of steps of cobblestone roads. Bring good comfortable shoes.

Review 9：This was a spectacular hotel experience. The staff was completely attentive. We are both chefs and they made us a reservation at a local restaurant Abrudonzza, that blew our minds. This city is incredibly beautiful. I would recommend this hotel over and over again.

Review 10：The bathtub in the room is something that surprised us; we can accept it as they certainly could not change the available space.

Review 11：The place maintains the authenticity of the old sassi providing comfort and a great warm feeling. Do not miss this experience. Loved No TV!

Review 12：Leaving!

Review 13：Magical location and setting! An experience like no other and especially impressed by the owners' ethos and attention to maintaining the essence of caves whilst introducing comfort with a special ambience. The staff were particularly delightful and their live if what is happening with their unique heritage, quite touching. Photos don't do it justice. Complimenti!

Review 14：Nothing too important but was told parking would be a fee of 20 Euro. Asked for it to be waived but was told not possible. Then heard staff member book a room on the phone for one night at same level room as ours and she waived the parking fee after caller insisted. Maybe she didn't know I spoke Italian.

Review 15：Unique experience to sleep in the caves with candles and yet all modern conveniences.Staff very helpful with all our questions. Breakfast buffet was very special.

Review 16：Nothing at all to dislike.

Review 17：The uniqueness of the cave accommodation. The luxury romantic setting and the amazing staff. An opportunity to marvel at engineering feat to create this amazing stylish setting in a cave!

Review 18：The fact that we only booked one night!!!

Review 19：Never had an emotional response to a hotel in my 51 years. However this is an overwhelmingly beautiful place. The staff were equally as wonderful. Nothing too much trouble. Ambience of whole place is second to none

Review 20：WiFi coverage was very good but internet speeds were terrible - almost non useable.

Review 21：An incredible experience spending a night in a cave. Loved it. Just don't do it solo like I did - way too romantic for a party of 1 :)

Review 22：Bedroom lighting appalling. Very damp bedclothes and clothes we left hanging up in room for one day.

Review 23：Unique experience, history and style. Wonderful setting. V. helpful staff, excellent recommendations for restaurants.

Review 24：High price, but worth it. Can't recommend staying more than 2 nights.

Review 25：This hotel is a unique experience! Yes there is little light and the humid scent from the stone walls can be bothersome, but it's all worth it. Our room number 4 was huge, full of creature comforts. The staff is young and energetic, always attentive to guests needs. They speak excitedly about the concept behind the hotel, the preservation of traditional structures that normally would be brought down to make way for the new. Local dishes are offered during breakfast in a wonderful setting, a true feast for the eyes and pallet. Truly an amazing experience, totally worth the high price tag.

Review 26：The stairs (though if you go to Matera, be prepared for lots of stairs).

Review 27：Sleeping in caves that have been inhabited for 7000 years. Attention to detail in the rooms / caves. Beautiful in its simplicity. Sense of history to the place. There was no door on the bathroom, which was a surprise, but this detail is accurate for what it would have been like living in these caves.

Review 28：Expensive for what it was. our room was €500 per night when it should have been €350. some rooms were too dark.

Review 29：Great location and unique theme Remarkable "rooms" well appointed. air conditioning system worked remarkably well.

Review 30：This place is so unique! We stayed for two nights and on the second night we were upgraded to a superior cave, which was even more fantastic than our first room! The views from the hotel are lovely. Breakfast was excellent and there was plenty of it! We booked a tour through the hotel - also fab.

Review 31：It's by no means a bad experience, and I understand you want to keep the atmosphere of the caves intact. Only the area by the wash hand basin is sooooo dark,you can barely see to do one's 'toilette' !!!!! Perhaps a strong light to use only when needed?

Review 32：Totally original and unique experience. You need to be young/agile enough to get around the steps, so my tip is not to leave it too long before you make the trip! It was fascinating talking to your lovely staff, whose grandmothers remember living in the caves!!

Review 33：True facts about Sextantio le grotte della Civita:the rooms are set in large caves, so rather than be influenced by the management images of the hotel imagine a real cave - it's dark, it's very humid; it smells (some of the suites at this hotel truly stink!) and you find bits of stone falling of its walls (literally!)the beds are large, reasonably comfortable and do have nice bed linen, but you don't get to appreciate as it feels unpleasantly wet from the humidity of the cave and smells unfresh...the furniture might be antique but it's questionable whether it is fair to speak of furniture at this hotel - we were offered a suite with not a single cupboard to empty our suitcases into plus a table and a couple of chairs with mould on them! the one and only mirror in the bathroom was a size of A4 sheet of paper and so old that you actually could not see a thing (no exaggeration!).wi-fi is free but you have to log-in every single time you want to use it and the connection drops frequentlythere are nice large baths in the caves but you won't find any bathing milk or shower gel in this 'luxury' hotel - a greasy, horrible liquid soap instead (something I have never come across before but the smell and texture put me off so I couldn't use it)Breakfast is nice and is served in a cave that used to be a church in 13th century - this cave also smells so you might struggle to eat unless you get table close to the door, though we've seen people brave it and have breakfast in the dark depths of the cave. Selection of cakes served at breakfast is truly amazing, but savoury things like pizza or bruschetta seem odd as breakfast choices.There is no spa! the hotel offers possibility of booking a treatment at your cave. We didn't as we were too disappointed by the fact that the hotel lies in some of its descriptions given to online travel directories.

Review 34：Sextantio Le Grotta della Civita promises a lot! It promises to be a truly unique luxury hotel with "rooms and suites set in large caves uniquely decorated with antique furniture"; it promises free wi-fi throughout, air conditioning, bed linen made from antique cloth, breakfast set in 13th century church... The description of the hotel on one of the sites promises even "a spa with relaxing treatments in comfortable setting". If you go through pictures of the hotel on sites like this one or like similar you will be tempted by rooms which look filled with light and air despite being set in a cave and by artsy snapshots creating in your mind images of true luxury. Don't be fooled like we were! Sextantio le grotte della Civita has got what its stuff refer to as "a commercial manager" who is obviously exceedingly good at making promises! They also paid a lot of money to a good photographer! The hotel actually delivers on very few of its promises. It does offer "a panoramic view of Matera" (after you leave your cave!) but that's about it... It has been not much more than a costly disappointment for us and what a shame that it happened during our honeymoon!

Review 35：Fliss wanted a bigger mirror and there was certainly space for one.

Review 36：Breakfast was amazing. Ambience was wonderful. Staff were very kindly. The aesthetics are very well balanced. We loved our stay here and would thoroughly recommend to anyone who wants something different and special.

Review 37：Nothing at all. All amazing!

Review 38：Attention to detail. Every touch was well thought out. Loved the shampoo being in a bottle and the old jug by the bath. But despite being in a cave, hair dryer, ac, all there.

Review 39：Difficult to relax, rooms dark with bench-style seating and a lack of shaded areas to sit outside. No parking and very difficult to get a spot in the local public car park. No convenient shops or other amenities.

Review 40：The room looked great with a beautiful shower and bath. Brilliant breakfasts. Great views from the terrace.

Review 41：Nothing

Review 42：Beautifull decoration, original concept, the bathroom with its bath, the candlelights, the fruits in the room, the delicious breakfest we have never eat before, the property, the service, the staff, the location....

Review 43：They will bend over backwards for you and make your stay as comfortable as you like. From the moment we walked into our room, we were speechless. It is unlike anything we had ever seen and certainly nothing in the States can match it. It was magic.

Review 44：The room was a bit dark and would have benefitted from an additional lamp and vanity mirror.

Review 45：The cave was amazing. It was spacious, unusual and a fun experience. Breakfast was great and we enjoyed listening to Chopin. The staff were very helpful and nice.

Review 46：Enchanting environment, like none other we have experienced. We stayed for one night of our honeymoon and they were kind enough to upgrade us to the honeymoon suite. This was a beautiful expansive cave with impressive attention to detail in preserving the rich historical architectural and cultural features of the cave while tastefully providing the modern comforts (such as the beautiful soaking tub). We were greeted to candles which provided a romantic vibe, as well as fresh fruit and beautiful linens. Everything from the food to the service was tasteful and not ostentatious with excellent quality. Highly recommend for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Review 47：Our room had only a one small window above the door and it was covered by a heavy drape--resulting in a room that was very dark and had no view. One night would have been enough (we stayed 2 nights). We noticed some other rooms did have windows which we would recommend.

Review 48：The room (more accurately cave) was spacious and was certainly a unique experience. Nice tub.

Review 49：It's worth bearing in mind that this hotel is very expensive, but we thought it was worthwhile for a unique experience for a short period of time.

Review 50：The rooms are really unusual and very stylish. It's great staying in an original cave, but the owners have decked them out beautiful so they're very comfortable and look stunning. The location of the hotel is fantastic to explore the town.

Review 51：As for the nature of the cave, the toilet has no door, which may cause some inconvenience.

Review 52：To spend the night in a cave it's an incredible experience! Marvellous, peaceful and romantic location.

Review 53：We expected a little more comfort for the money, there was not enough light to read a book at night ( but during check out we heard that they do have extra lights available, unfortunately it was not explained to us, minor mistake), also the outside area of the hotel could use a bit more tables to enjoy the sun.

Review 54：The room was very romantic, the shower divine and the styling of the hotel very well done within the concept of the hotel, the breakfast was one of the best ones we had in Puglia!

Review 55：Everything was great. The experience of sleeping in the cave. The beautiful furnishing of the cave and the candles scattered around the room. The breakfast was very good and the ambiance even better. An experience to repeat again and again.

Review 56：very expensive , one night in the largest suite cave $700.. Then today I saw it was on sale fir $250 as I guess they had not filled it , also pack light and leave your heavy suitcase in the car , long flight upstairs although hey will be happy to help u

Review 57：they took incredible detail to everything to make it a cave experience but a luxury unique experience , first the staff wan wonderful , we arrive early , they helped us up the long staircase and stores our luggage , everything w a smile , they gave us the best suite cave with a wonderful tub w a fireplace and a large king bed with wonderful sheets , an unusual cotton , they go out of their way to make U comfortable and also stay close to the unique experience of living in a cave lit by candles and dim electric lights , heir philosophy of buying distressed properties and giving them living care for the guests is an extroadinary experience , the breakfast was fabulous , in true commitment to their highest promise ,, all the baked goods were homemade and tasted exquisite , we loved it and hated to leave !!

Review 58：Step back in time and live in a luxurious cave, perfect for a romantic get away. It feels like you are on a film set with no sign of modern times, yet there is wifi, under floor heating and a beautiful bath. The design is so carefully considered. The most delicious breakfast. This stay was a real treat that I would thoroughly recommend.

Review 59：booking presentation not clear

Review 60：amazing location but be careful when you book request a room with windows!!! I did book a suite that in the Booking app pictures looks very bright and with view , than I got a cave no windows at all ! I'm a bit claustofobic and when I do ask the staff how they sale this room with windows and with View icon listed in the room specification they simply tell me the pics are from another type of room ! That's it . Well if you buy the room with 65% off like I did is ok value for money if is more ... Hmmm I do not like to raccomend . Location fantastic room are clean and staff over all not bad .

Review 61：Absolutey nothing !!! There was nothing to dis like love this place !!!

Review 62：Every thing !!! The people were great couldn't do more for you what ever time of the day or night. Absolutely stunning room, the thought of a cave is cool an quirky but I wasn't expecting it to be so warm an cosy !! Perfect for a romantic get away.

Review 63：The hotel is wonderful and in an extraordinary location! We were welcomed by a very professional and very helpful staff who made us an unforgettable experience. We booked a classic cave and they gave us the honor to stay in a suite. We had a mervellous breakfast in an amazing old church in a stone cave. The excellence of the service made everything so special!

Review 64：Nothing major, but the shampoo provided was really bad. They need to improve the quality of the shampoo.

Review 65：It was an amazing experience staying a a cave. The cave was tasteful done and very comfortable. I love the shower! The water pressure was so strong. The Internet connection was the best out of all the places we stayed in Italy. Pack light, there are a few steps and bring a good mirror ladies for putting makeup on. Not a lot of light in the cave.

Review 66：Nothing at all.

Review 67：The hotel was excellent. We had an amazing experience staying at this hotel. Our cave was very nice, starting from it's door key to everything else. Very spacious, clean and comfortable. Only rocks and wood decorations, and candles everywhere. No phone or TV in the cave or any other sign of technology to let you live the wonderful experience. Large balcony with amazing views. Location was excellent, few minutes from main attractions, and one minute from the safe free public parking. Staff were very professional, welcoming and very much helpful. Breakfast area was amazing (old church in a cave), with excellent service. We strongly recommend this wonderful hotel.

Review 68：This is really something extraordinary! beautiful room in a grotta with designer bath and candles- very romantic! beautiful romantic breakfast location wonderful breakfast very friendly staff

Review 69：At night the caves are a bit dark, and the comfort is somewhat limited. This is unavoidable given the location and is part of the atmosphere, but it should be take into account if one is planning a long stay.

Review 70：The location and the atmosphere are fantastic. The breakfast is marvelous. We had a cave with the bathtub, that is definitely worth the extra price.

Review 71：The parking is a bit of a problem but not so much as to be a showstopper. The office staff where very good but the baggage guys were a little on the slow side....and i'm not talking about speed.

Review 72：We booked last minute and for the same price they gave us a suite overlooking the ravine with a fireplace room with cool bathtub. Candles everywhere, we felt like we were the only ones on the planet. No phones, no tv, dim lighting and natural chiseled stone rooms from centuries bygone surrounded us and we talked about the people who had lived there centuries before us. Fresh fruits and water were complimentary and were served in locally made earthenware jugs and bowls. Nice touch. We will definitely return to see if it really was that nice.... Really cool.

Review 73：Finding it is difficult. I would suggest they send a more detailed map to quests.

Review 74：The staff was passionate about the location. The cave is unique and comfortable. The restaurant and breakfast was very good.

Review 75：The peace, the quiet, the unrepeatable ambiance of the place - quite unique. The following is not criticism, but advice to travellers: flip-flops would be useful if you have a room with a shower (underfoot can be very uneven); comfortable lounging not really an option either - don't know how to advise here - but seats and benches are about the place.

Review 76：Everything was perfect. As for architecture, the attention to detail is amazing. We did something that we never did before. Changed our travel plans and did not come out of the cave room untill our check out time.

Review 77：Not much light in the room at night - so make sure you do anythibng that requires light before the sun goes down. Wifi in the room was not good - but on the other hand - did not come to surf the internet!

Review 78：fantastic ambiance, view ws fantastic from our cave, beatifully decorated staying with the rustic. Breakfast in the old chuch was good.

Review 79：Restaurant facility was on request by prior arrangement only and this wasnt made clear on any site we looked at including theirs. Breakfast was lovely but very little for coeliacs likemyself to to eat. Everything was bread/pastry/cake based

Review 80：Amazing experience and surroundings

Review 81：I wanted to express my appreciation for the superior service I received during my stay at the Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita. Everyone, but in particular, Michele Centonze, Salesmanager, were very helpful and deserve a great deal of praise for their excellent customer service, arraning for accomodation, dinner and sight seeing. Kudos to you and your staff for making my stay a great one - I will definitely love to stay with theSextantio Le Grotte Della Civita again. Regards, Dr. Dirk Stemper

Review 82：If you are traveling to Matera this has to be the only choice! Absolutely stunning, attention to detail and sympathy of the design is right in the money. Pricey but worth a treat.

Review 83：Would not be a good place for those who are not steady on their feet as the floors and paths are uneven cobble stones.

Review 84：The rooms were awsome and the staff super friendly and helpful. The Sassi is wonderful if you like old places and is a labyrinth of tiny lanes and stairs.

Review 85：1-not really a cave, more like a room in an old monastery, from outside rooms look like boxes built into the mountain, no that exotic as a real cave would be 2-stuffy in the rooms at night and nothing can be done - air conditioning is very weak and not all rooms have windows, no anti-mosquito nets of the windows (we did not see mosquitos, but some birds were flying very close outside) 3-the hotel proposes just its own exersions to sassi (2 hours walking tour for $100) and refuses to provide any other information 4-average breakfast, bad coffee tasts like instant coffee 5-note that some rooms do not have shower - just a bath (with no shower at all) 6-you have to go up by outside stone stairs to your room, no lift

Review 86：1-location very close to sassi 2-unusual concept and atmosphere 3-rooms are clean and spacious 4-old authentic furniture all over in the hotel 5-bathroom facilities are mordern and well-functionning 6-no TV, no phone in the rooms 7-personnel is friendly and ready to help

Review 87：Nothing really. Intermittent wifi, but a small price to pay for such a unique experience.

Review 88：A wonderful opportunity to stay in a historically significant dwelling, sensitively and creatively restored, without compromise on comfort and service. Stunning location within the sassi area of Matera, first class service, beautiful views and inspiring decor. Will stay in our memory for ever.

Review 89：Absolutely nothing. Just pay attention to e-mails from administration re navigation to the place - we have relied on GPS and default address to lead us to the location.

Review 90：Mind blowing experience! Must stay. Everything has been great.

Review 91：The musty smell and dampness of the room. I think the pictures of the hotel are amazing, the stay however was not as comfortable.

Review 92：The concept, the staff, the food, the location. The cave is beautifly and lovingly restored.

Review 93：A unique experience like no other. The whole atmosphere of the place - being transported to another place and time while maintaining all modern comforts discretely hidden from eye view. The philosophy of obtaining only very local or organic foodstuffs. The high level of customer service. Excellent breakfast -very different to the so-called "international standard" The location right in the heart of the Matera "sassi "

Review 94：I travel around the world and have the opportunity to see many things and stay at many incredible places, but by far this was the most amazing romantic experience we have ever had. You must experience this unusual hotel. You will not be disappointed. Cave #8 is beyond words. Do your self a favor and book it!!!! The breakfast is mouthwatering, the best I have had in Italy.....Thank you Thank you for leaving an amazing memory for my husband and I.

Review 95：A wonderful entry point into this magical city. Breakfast was home-made, authentic indigenous cuisine. Arranged for an excellent guided tour. Highly attentive to our needs, including a complementary porter, and excellent information about local goings-on.

Review 96：Not a negative but note that our room didn't have a shower - just a beautiful bath. Also, if you're super -private, there is no door to the bathroom! Just need to be mindful!

Review 97：Incredible Cave hotel - never seen anything like it. Beautiful bathroom with full large bath. The breakfast in the ancient cave church was amazing. All home-made produce - beautiful pies and tarts, breads and cheeses, juices and coffees - just wonderful.

Review 98：The bathroom mirror was a bit too small and not well placed for a tall person. Just a minor inconvenience

Review 99：The staff were very accommodating. Upgraded our room when we requested one with a shower at no extra cost. Breakfasts were fabulous. All in all a wonderful and unique experience. I highly recommend this hotel.

Review 100：A little bit more light just for blow drying hair or shaving.

Review 101：Authenticity of the cave room. A romantic stay, lit mainly by candles. Very comfortable bed and lovely waking up to a yellow warm glow from the early sun on the cave walls if you kept the shutter slightly open at night. Very romantic taking a bath in candle light. Definitely worth the experience. Lovely breakfast too.

Review 102：Nothing.

Review 103：We absolutely loved the whole feel of the place. The rustic, minimalistic decor and ultra calm ambience. Would highly recommend this. No minibar or tv but not needed if you're happy staying in a cave. Will be back.

Review 104：It was a fantastic experience to stay in the cave with traditional furniture and beautiful candles.

Review 105：nothing

Review 106：Staff extremly friendly! God job! Breakfast really good!

Review 107：Amazing atmosphere! The candles, the bathtub, the entire cave was so romantic..

Review 108：the courage to build a hotel in rocks and the willingness to maintain historic relics in Italy.... and the breakfast buffet was excellent.

Review 109：Authentic cave hotel beautiful design

Review 110：amazing experience and setting - staff excellent - worth the trip alone

Review 111：Fabulous experience

Review 112：A bit too pure. Poor toiletries. Awful lighting.

Review 113：Friendly and helpful staff, Excellent breakfast. Perfect location,

Review 114：Expensive

Review 115：Once in a Lifetime Experience

Review 116：Wonderful experience.. Everything was perfect.

Review 117：Rooms were a bit damp.

Review 118：Location, ambiance and service.

Review 119：The uniqueness of staying in a cave. Old and authentic but comfortable with all necessary amenities. I loved the fruit bowl in the room!

Review 120：Everything, special, romantic, lovely, amazing breakfast, enthusiastic staff

Review 121：The breakfasts were amazing!!!

Review 122：Everything was perfect - the cave, staff, location, breakfast. Not cheap, but worth it.

The Fine Print

Please note that this property is set in a restricted traffic area. Access by car is allowed for loading and unloading of luggage only, and for a limited time.