Sextantio le Grotte della Civita Matera

Historic Apennine village, Matera can be found in the south of Italy and is world famous because of its Sassi quarters, a stunning and well preserved example of a village where hundreds of caves were turned into dwellings, churches and palaces.

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, the Sassi represent a unique hamlet throughout Italy: the earliest inhabitants date back to the stone and bronze age, in the middle ages it boasted several monastic communities and later became a vibrant farming centre.

Le Grotte della Civita is placed in the oldest part of the Sassi, the CIVITA, facing the spectacular Murgia park and its rock-hewn churches. It comprises 18 rooms and an ancient church, the “Cripta della Civita”, now used as a common area, all renovated to retain their original features.

I SASSI DI MATERA
I Sassi di Matera need planning in consideration of the exceptionality of this heritage. The human use of these caves has been extremely articulated during the past ages: from protohistoric Bronze Age civilization to the monastic communities, from agricultural and pastoral ways of life to metropolitan marginality.

The judged value of these places and the life they experienced: a national shame became a human heritage needing to be passed on to the next generation. These places, caves hewn for human habitation, with a strong ancestral call.

Sextantio realized a unique cultural project preserving the primeval stones and caves’ essence with extreme accuracy while conserving the original site.

Le Grotte della Civita includes 18 Cave rooms, reception and the Rock church “Cripta della Civita” (breakfast room), located in the most ancient Sassi area facing the Murgia National Park.

The project aimed at preserving the integral conservation of the original site and its promiscuous use, from religious rituals to the daily agricultural and pastoral subsistence.

TRACES OF LIFE
I Sassi di Matera (Cave dwellings) are a special case. Their origins are unique. Human beings have lived here for millennia: from the stone age, to monastic orders, to subsistence farmers and shepherd communities.

The history of the Sassi is one of contrasting fortunes: from the so-called “national shame” of the former squalor of the Sassi, to their resurgence as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, preserved for future generations.

Today these excavated cave houses can give voice to the past via a bold and determined plan to conserve their origins. The compelling beauty and breathtaking setting of many historic southern italian hill towns, combined with their local traditions, make them an ideal destination for international tourism.

For visitors who enjoy their history mixed with a magnificent landscape rich with sights, scents and sounds, the ancient hill towns of the Mediterranean are an ideal destination.

ROOMS & SUITES
The Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita project is situated in the historical heart of Matera. The 18 caves have been restored through a careful and conservative process conducted with the utmost respect for the local cultural heritage.

Each cave reveals the original shape and materials. The hotel’s interior design, the respectful and minimalistic approach of Sextantio is reflected in the plain furniture elements. The guests will experience a particular atmosphere evoking the cultural and human history of the Sassi of Matera.

EXECUTIVE SUITE
A spectacular 130 m2 cave with a linear depth layout. Past the wide living area equipped with a king size bed, a large lavatory area extends, featuring an exclusive shower, a stone sink and other traces of the different uses of the cave along the centuries. In a cosy recess a bathtub and a relaxation area are available.

SUITE
An evocative 140 m2 cave. A wide “grottone” (big cave) houses the king size bed and the living area, while an adjacent recess features a writing desk and a small window.

A century-old wooden front door lets you access the lavatory, the stone-floored shower and an old trough turned into a sink. A bathtub is positioned in the middle of another wide and beguiling cave.

DINING 
At Sextantio Albergo Diffuso Le Grotte della Civita it’s possible book in advance the whole XIII Century Church of the hotel for an exclusive dinner or event.

The evocative scenario of the location is unique: a deconsecrated church, lit solely by candles, with background classical music and a lit fireplace. The exclusive location therefore transforms into a fantastical place where guests can enjoy the Chef’s passion and local cuisine.

The evocative scenario of the location is unique: a deconsecrated church, lit solely by candles, with background classical music and a lit fireplace…
matera restaurant

APERITIF
Local wines, or tisanes, teas, taralli crackers and snacks are instead the key ingredients for a typical aperitivo, or a time to relax in the mystical setting of the church or the terrace with sweeping views of the dramatic Murgia Materana.

COOKING LESSONS
Test your cooking know how using flour, eggs and a rolling pin! Our lessons with expert Chef in the rock hewn church dining area will satisfy your tastebuds and your soul. You will learn the ancient art of handmade pasta and discover authentic traditional Lucanian recipes to accompany your creations.

Cavatelli, Orecchiette and Calzoni are just some of the typical dishes you will prepare and taste during your time with a very local ‘cuoca’, an experienced ‘mamma’ from Matera and the following exclusive dinner.

ROMANTIC DINNER
The evocative scenario of the location is unique: a deconsecrated church, lit solely by candles, with background classical music and a lit fireplace. The exclusive location therefore transforms into a fantastical place where guests can enjoy the Chef’s passion and local cuisine.

EXCLUSIVE DINNER
Local wines, or tisanes, teas, taralli crackers and snacks are instead the key ingredients for a typical aperitivo, or a time to relax in the mystical setting of the church or the terrace with sweeping views of the dramatic Murgia Materana.

THE BREAKFAST
In the morning, breakfast is served in the XIII Century Cave Church. Cakes, pasties, biscuits and cookies, marmalades, cheeses and salumi are for the most part produced in a local organic farm nearby, or hailing from trusted artisan producers in the near vicinity.

Breakfast with typical organic local products includes signature Matera bread, freshly baked focaccias, homemade cakes and desserts belonging to the Matera tradition; fresh seasonal fruits, mozzarella, ricotta, plain yogurt and delicious jams and marmalades.

THE SPA
Nothing better that finding peace of mind and body and totally relaxing with a massage treatment within your own cave dwelling. In an environment rich in history and atmosphere, with a soft new age musical background, perfumed oils, herbal teas and many flickering candles, mind and body will be surely regenerated.

WELLNESS
Expert masseurs will advise on the most suitable treatment among reiki, deep connective tissue, emolymphatic, draining, couple, antistress or relaxant. Wellness, Stress Relieving and Ayurvedic massages are available to you at anytime in the privacy of your own room.

Accompanied by New Age relaxation music, scented oils, candlelight and herbal teas, this relaxing activity will rejuvenate you after a day of walking our towns many stairs or one of the hikes in Murgia Park.

MATERA
The year of the European Capital of Culture in Matera begins with the opening ceremony on the 19th of January 2019. A program of events scheduled for 48 weeks, with 50 productions and cultural co-productions, as well as five major exhibitions.

The slogan of the whole cultural program is “Open Future”, a mix of innovation, collaboration and millennial traditions.

THE SASSI OF MATERA
Visiting the Sassi of Matera means having an out-of-time journey through the traces of the uninterrupted presence of the man in this area, from the Paleolithic to the present days.

Through the many extraordinary sceneries of Sassi you will spot the main stages of the evolution of human history: from the dark caves of Murgia that takes us back to our oldest ancestors to the rock churches of religious communities always looking for soul’s purification; from the elegant streets of the Piano rich of seventeenth-century monasteries and palaces to the descent, almost unreal, in large voids of deep cisterns and canals used for the parsimonious water collection.

TREKKING ON THE MURGIA
Visiting the Sassi of Matera and the Archaeological Park of Natural Rock Hewn Churches means getting lost in the paths of an ancient and rocky landscape of huge charm. Man has lived in this area for hundreds of thousands years by setting up in the steep walls of Gravine (canyons).

From Piazza di Porta Postergola, in the districts of Sassi, you can go towards the most fascinating hill of the Park where, set in the rock, you can visit the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli where you can still see rock frescos and architectures.

NIGHT TOUR OF THE SASSI
The historian Leantro Alberti who visited Matera in 1550 wrote that the Sassi at night had “a good likeness of the clear serene sky embellished with clear and shining stars”. The visit of Sassi in a night scene still has a unique charm.

During the visit you will walk along the paths that best represent the birth of Matera, its evolution, and its most suggestive sights: the dim lights of narrow streets which get in between the slopes of the Sasso Caveoso and Civita; the darkness that makes the deep Gravina canyon almost invisible; the dark caves that merge with the shadows of Murgia’s hills; the squares and the sides of the floor illuminated by light.

GASTRONOMIC TOUR
Departure at 7.00 am and visit of a typical bakery and tasting of some local products (the Matera’s bread, the focaccia, biscuits). 8.00 am: transfer to the “caseificio” and view the making of mozzarella by hand and the “caciocavallo” cheese workshop. Length: max 4 hours. Tasting included.

CALANCHI LUCANI
A trip to the enchanting moonscape in the more undiscovered Basilicata, the “Calanchi” valley, and up to Craco, also known as “the ghost town”. The old settlement was completely abandoned in the ‘60s due to quick landslide.

Since then the place has kept a mysterious atmosphere. Transfer to the Crypt of the Original Sin, a 9th century church named the “Sistine Chapel” of Rock Churches. On the walls of a deep cave we can still admire the oldest frescoes among the ones in rock churches in the area.

VENOSA & THE WINE CELLARS
Transfer to Venosa (60 min.), birthplace of the Latin poet Horatio (Carpe Diem). Visit the Archaeological Park, the “Abbazia della Trinità” and the “Incompiuta”.

Visit a typical vineyard with tasting of Aglianico (the local red wine), olive oil and the typical cheese of the Vulture area. Length: max 5 hours. Transfer and wine tasting included, entrance fees excluded.

THE TRULLI OF ALBEROBELLO
Light walking in the town of Alberobello, a World Heritage site and home to thousands of curious round stone “trulli”. Length: max 5 hours. Transfer included, entrance fees excluded.

CASTEL DEL MONTE
A unique piece of medieval military architecture, Castel del Monte is a successful blend of elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient and north European Cistercian Gothic.

This was completed by Friederick II in the 13th century and was elected UNESCO Heritage Site in 1996. Length: max 4 hours. Transfer included, entrance fees excluded.

THE LUCANIAN DOLOMITES
Journey to Pietrapertosa (90 min.), in the Park of Gallipoli Cognato and the Lucanian Dolomites. Head towards the Saracen fortress, almost entirely carved out of rock, which offers a marvelous panoramic view of the Basento valley.

At the foot of the castle follow a path and enter the forest. Go down to the Della Rossa River until you come back up along the Costa La Rossa ridge (1026 metres) from where you can enjoy a scenic view of the Park. Back to Pietrapertosa following the crest.

Return to Matera at 3 p.m. Length: max 7 hours. Transfer included. Not available in winter time. Grade: moderate to high.

THE HOT AIR BALLOON
A unique experience that remains in the memories forever. In the silence of dawn, hover in the air on a hot-air balloon to admire from above the Sassi of Matera, or the ghost town of Craco.

The sweet currents will accompany your flight and gently there they will give unforgettable views over hills, rivers, ancient cities and wonderful castles, when the warm lights of dawn awaken.

SAILING
A day on a sailing boat from Policoro along the coast of the Ionian Sea until you reach the jagged beaches of Calabria, in front of the Castle of Roseto.

We will not be able to resist taking a swim in these crystal waters, while our crew will prepare an inviting lunch for us. And if we are lucky, we could also spot dolphins, who sometimes accompany the navigators joyfully, swimming near the boats.

ALTAMURA
15 km. from Matera, this town was founded by Emperor Frederick II. Visit to the Romanesque Cathedral, with the most beautiful front door in the Puglia. Stop over in a bakery to watch the making of the typical local bread. Small tasting.

Not far from the Cathedral, the Monastery of St. Claire offers the opportunity for a sweet break. The delicious, so called “tits of nuns”, pastries still prepared with the original recipes of the cloistered nuns, will delight your palate.

ARCHAEO TOUR
Archaeological tour around the Greek colony of Metaponto, 40 km far from Matera. Visit to the Tavole Palatine, a gorgeous temple from the 6th century BC dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera.

Transfer to the Museum of Magna Graecia, featuring an interesting collection of funeral items and archaeological finds from the ancient polis. Visit to a farm for wine tasting. Sitting in the garden on the hilltop you will enjoy a nice view on the valley.

Rooms: 18

Price: from 202 EUR per night

Source: www.sextantio.it