Where History Lives: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita – Authentic Luxury Carved in Stone

In the ancient caves of Matera, history comes to life: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is no ordinary hotel – it’s a tribute to a long-lost way of living. Guests who stay here step into another world: silent, archaic, magical. It’s a place where luxury is born from simplicity.

Living in Caves – With Soul and Style

The rooms at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita are housed in authentic stone chambers – the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes this hotel truly unique is its uncompromising authenticity:

• Preserved original stone structures and vaulted ceilings
• Minimalist interiors using traditional materials
• Candlelight and warm, ambient lighting only
• No TVs, no phones – just silence and history

Each room feels like a retreat from time – raw, yet never primitive.

Luxury Through Reduction

Founder Daniele Kihlgren redefines the concept of luxury: less is more – as long as that "less" is genuine. Modern bathrooms are seamlessly integrated into the caves, and natural materials like linen and wood contrast beautifully with the bare stone. The result is a sensual, calming, almost sacred atmosphere.

Dining Beneath Ancient Vaults

One of the highlights: breakfast in the former church room – a carved-out stone chamber overlooking the Gravina gorge. Guests enjoy organic, locally sourced products from the Basilicata region: homemade bread, fresh ricotta, honey, olives, and coffee – all served with a view over the historic rooftops of Matera.

Deep Sustainability

Sextantio is more than a hotel – it’s a cultural preservation project.

• Restoration was carried out in close collaboration with archaeologists
• All interventions are reversible and respectful of the original structures
• The local community is actively involved, from craftsmanship to cuisine

It’s part of the albergo diffuso movement – decentralized hospitality with a focus on authenticity and regional identity.

💬 Conclusion: A Night That Stays With You

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is not just a place to sleep, but to feel. Guests don’t just slow down – they transform. It’s a hotel for travelers, not tourists. For seekers, not consumers. For those in search of silence – and ready to listen to history.

A hospitality experience carved in stone – gentle, quiet, and deeply moving.