Matera

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Photo of Matera
Photo of Matera
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About Matera

Amazingly, people have made their homes in Matera for the last seven thousand years, making it the world’s third longest inhabited community. And many of these homes were hewn from the limestone of the hill Matera sits upon. So the city today is a web of ancient grottoes carved higgledy-piggledy into the mountainside on either side of a narrow ravine. It’s extremely picturesque, and entirely unique and now known worldwide through the antics of Daniel Craig in Bond's No Time to Die. Some of these “sassi” cave dwellings have now been converted into some of the best places to stay in Matera. Our Gurus have curated a collection of wonderful cave dwellings and villas turned hotels and B&Bs, with incredible views, unbeatable central locations and lots of space.

Some of our Matera collections:

The historic part of town is divided in two by the majestic, 13th century cathedral, which sits atop a ridge. Explore on foot and it feels as if the entire town is a museum, populated almost entirely by centuries-old dwellings and buildings, which, if the sky is its normal bright blue, seem to glimmer golden. It’s not just the best places to stay in Matera that have been converted from “sassi” cave dwellings, it’s also the bars, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s impossible to walk around town without experiencing its ancient magic. The museums and churches have been purpose built, and really add to the vista – and are probably why the whole of Matera was declared a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1993.

As well as being incredibly picturesque and historic, our recommendations for the best places to say in Matera are also some of our most romantic picks in this part of Basilicata, with great restaurants, beautiful décor and seriously memorable views. If you’re even remotely into sightseeing it would be difficult not to be impressed by the palaeolithic sassi of the Materasum Ipogeo, the Tramontano Castle, and the Casa Grotte di Vico Solitaro. What are you waiting for?!...

The Best Places to Stay in Matera

For a Special Occasion

  • The Hotel Sant'Angelo is a five-star hotel in the historic heart of Matera, with incredible views from many of the 21 rooms and suites. Converted from “sassi” cave dwellings, the hotel is a combination of elegant villa architecture, and traditional rooms cut from the rock. We love the beds hewn from the limestone, vaulted ceilings, and the incredible views. The restaurant specialises in local cuisine.
  • Le Grotte della Civita is another hotel which manages to be both luxurious and elegant, while also being created from a series of cave dwellings cut from Matera's limestone. Its 18 very original rooms and suites, are vaulted caves, with log fires, and gorgeous bathrooms with stand-alone bathtubs. The excellent restaurant feels like a mediaeval lair, but turns out excellent cuisine, and they offer cooking classes. Book this place for the wow factor!

In Matera’s Historic Heart

  • Only 350 yards from the cathedral, La Dimora di Matello is ideally located for exploring Matera’s historic sights and sites. There are just four rooms and suites, all spacious, and, aside from the stunning original features, decorated with contemporary design pieces. The views are pretty good too.
  • Also historic, and centrally located, Maison D'Ax is a more ornate pick, with decorative tiles in the spacious bathrooms, Persian rugs, and a range of artwork. The views are wonderful and family rooms available.While there’s no restaurant, they do offer breakfast (and tours of Matera).
  • The Basiliani Hotel is a fantastically stylish, minimalist hotel converted from a collection of “sassi” cave houses. The ten rooms and suites are spacious and serenely monochrome, and all offer views of historic Matera. Some of the rooms are ideal for families, and there’s a spa too.

For Romantics

  • The Antica Torre di Luso has just two rooms, both with murals on the walls, antique furnishings, vaulted ceilings and hot tubs, so it’s a romantic choice in the centre of Matera. There’s no restaurant, but there are lots of places to eat and drink locally.
  • The Palazzo del Duca is a beautifully 14th century palazzo, converted from “sassi” cave dwellings. It has nine rooms and suites, some carved right into the rock, and all decorated with contemporary features. The restaurant and bar serve local cuisine, and they offer cooking classes to anyone who wants to replicate the recipes at home.
  • One of the largest hotels on our Gurus’ list, the Locanda di San Martino has 32 rooms and suites in a collection of elegantly converted “sassi”. In addition to the large rooms decorated with antiques and original features, the property has an indoor pool, a Turkish hammam bath, an excellent spa, and a roof terrace with incredible views.

For Families

  • The Corte San Pietro is another magically converted cave dwelling, turned into a ten bedroom hotel. Some of the rooms and suites are ideal for families, with lots of living space on mezzanine levels. Aside from the original features the décor is rustic, with stylish details. Pets are welcome too.

For a Spa Break

  • The Palazzo Gattini has been converted from a charming palazzo, into an elegant, five-star hotel with 20 comfortable, contemporary rooms. They’ve also added a rooftop pool and terrace, and an excellent restaurant serving local specialities. The spa boasts a hammam, flotation tank, chromatherapy showers, whirlpool tub/indoor pool and comprehensive range of massages and treatments.

For Great Value

  • Like many of our recommendations in Matera, Thymus Residence Nei Sassi has been part carved from the rock the town sits upon. Converted from a collection of historic buildings in the heart of town, including a 13th-century church (which is now the breakfast room), the Thymus Residence has just five rooms and suites, all spacious, and decorated with contemporary comforts. Some of the rooms are quite romantic, one has a hot tub, but there are some very family friendly options too.
  • L'Hotel in Pietra has borrowed all of its architecture from a religious building: its eight rooms and suites have been converted from a 13th century monastery, complete with vaulted ceilings, mezzanine levels, and incredible views over the town. Expect lots of space and incredible original features.

Best B&Bs

  • Converted from a 19th-century-built villa in the historic centre of Matera, Casastella is an elegant and affordable B&B. Some of the rooms feature exposed stone walls, and some are hewn from bare rock; all are painted in soft, muted colours, and decorated with rustic-minimalist style. The location is ideal, and the B&B will organise romantic meals in a “sassi” cave restaurant nearby.
  • With just two rooms, Slow Living is an even smaller B&B, also well located in the historic part of town. These two rooms also benefit from small balconies, overlooking the rock churches, and a welcoming communal area. This would be a good choice if you’re staying for more than a week, and it’s conveniently close to the Museum of Medieval Art and the Museo Archaeologicalico Nazionale Ridola.
  • The Antica Civitas is another two room option, with more spectacular views over Matera. Also converted from an historic villa, complete with terracotta-tiled floors and vaulted ceilings, but decorated with contemporary fixtures and fittings. Stylish and intimate.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Bari International airport is the closest international airport to Matera, just under an hour away by car or taxi, and just over an hour away by public transport.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Summer temperatures in Matera hit +30 °C, but its attractions make it a year round destination, and because it’s quite humid, winter temperatures remain pleasant enough for sightseeing — even during the coolest month, January, temperatures hover around 10 °C. However, during the winter months some attractions have reduced opening hours, with some only open weekends, or mornings, or requiring booking in advance, and the public transport timetable is reduced, so it’s well worth checking for the latest information before you book.

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The best hotels in Matera

Casastella
Casastella

Matera (Matera)

A small B&B set in a 19th century house in the historic quarter of Matera. Rooms feature exposed stone walls, antique furniture, tunnelled rooms and soft hues; an effortless blend of minimalist decor and rustic charm. Guided tours and romantic dinners are on offer and the price is very attractive.

  • Romantic Break - The hotel organises romantic dinners inside a "sassi" cave for guests with locally-sourced cuisine.
  • Sights nearby - Only 600 meters from the first prehistoric rock settlements in Matera.
  • Designer
  • Views
from AU$129 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Slow Living
Slow Living

Matera (Matera)

Charming B&B in the historic centre of Matera offering comfortable, contemporary rooms with breathtaking views of the Rock Churches. The rooms emit a warm ambience, with parquet flooring and marble-tiled bathrooms. Next to the Museum of Medieval Art and the Museo Archaeologico Nazionale Ridola.

  • Local exploring - Well placed for exploring the ancient "sassi" dwellings of Matera, it is near many museums and has views of the Rock Churches.
  • Sights nearby - Matera Cathedral is barely 0.3 miles away.
  • Views
  • Traditional
from AU$129 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Thymus Residence Nei Sassi
Thymus Residence Nei Sassi

Matera (Matera)

Stylish hotel in the historic centre of Matera offering five rooms, hewn from the rock, that combine rustic charm with contemporary comforts. Breakfast is served in a 13th century church and guided tours are organised for guests. Ideal for lovers of antiquity.

  • Romantic Break - The suites, carved into the mountain rock, are soundproofed and one has a Turkish bath.
  • Sights nearby - The Church of San Pietro Barisano and the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture are a 3 minute walk away.
  • Designer
  • Romantic
from AU$163 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
L'Hotel in Pietra
L'Hotel in Pietra

Matera

A monasterial boutique hotel with enormous rooms in Matera. Cavernous bedrooms and suites with vaulted ceilings, mezzanine levels, and stunning views over the town. Unusual and great value.

  • Value chic
  • Cooking classes
  • Local markets
  • Boutique
from AU$186 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Antica Civita
Antica Civita

Matera (Matera)

With breathtaking views of the "sassi" dwellings of Matera, a stylish luxury B&B that combines rustic charm with modern comforts. Featuring terracotta floors, vaulted ceilings, artisan chairs and marble bathrooms, it omits a warm ambience. Ideal for guests wishing to explore Europe's oldest city.

  • Local exploring - The B&B lies in the archaic Roman military settlement in Matera, one of the oldest quarters of the city.
  • Sights nearby - Stroll down to the nearby Matera Cathedral and marvel at its stunning architecture.
  • Views
from AU$209 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
La Dimora di Metello
La Dimora di Metello

Matera (Matera)

A stylish boutique hotel in the historic centre, offering en-suite rooms decorated in a minimalist fashion with marble floors, exposed stone walls and vaulted ceilings. Only 350 yards from Matera Cathedral, it is ideally placed for exploring the city and her famous "sassi" prehistoric houses.

  • Local exploring - The "sassi" cave dwellings, carved into the mountain rock, have been inhabited for some 6000 years.
  • Sights nearby - Stroll down to the majestic Matera Cathedral.
  • Designer
  • Boutique
from AU$215 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Maison d'Ax
Maison d'Ax

Matera (Matera)

Elegant hotel in the heart of Matera, offering quirky and ornate rooms with tiled bathrooms, exposed stone walls, murals and antiques. Ideally positioned in the heart of the historic city. The hotel organises guided tours of Matera with an historian and sailing trips.

  • Local exploring - The hotel organises guided tours of the Certosa of Padula with the historian Michele Rizzo.
  • Sights nearby - Tramontano Castle. a splendid example of 15th century Lucanian architecture, is only 0.3 miles away.
  • Sailing - Take one of the hotel's cruises on a beautiful sailing ship exclusively for guests.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor plunge pool
from AU$223 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Palazzotto Residence and Winery
Palazzotto Residence and Winery

Matera (Matera)

Stunning hotel in the heart of Matera, offering rooms and suites built out of the ancient cave dwellings of the "sassi". Only 5 minutes from the city centre, this is ideally placed for those hoping to explore Matera. The rooms are rustic-meets-minimalist, with antiques and exposed stone walls.

  • Foodies - The hotel boasts a large wine cellar, many vintages are from its own winery.
  • Local exploring - Well positioned to explore the historic city of Matera by foot.
  • Sights nearby - Only a short walk from Matera Cathedral.
  • Designer
from AU$223 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Basiliani Hotel
Basiliani Hotel

Matera (Matera)

Designer hotel in the historic centre of Matera. Rooms blend bright minimalist styles with the ancient traditions of the "sassi" houses. Red wooden furniture is set against carved white limestone walls and all rooms boast views over the prehistoric caves of Matera. Ideal for history lovers.

  • Local exploring - The historic centre of Matera is one of the oldest cities in Europe and her very houses are sights worth seeing.
  • Great walks - Matera is a city enshrined in a time warp, the archaic "sassi" cave dwellings have been inhabited for some 6000 years.
  • Sights nearby - The hotel overlooks the prehistoric caves of the Chiese Rupestri Archaeological Park.
  • Views
from AU$233 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Corte San Pietro
Corte San Pietro

Matera (Matera)

In an immortal city carved into mountain stone, this is a hotel like no other. The rooms are restored cave dwellings built around an ancient courtyard and are ideal for those looking for a unique holiday experience. The rustic rooms have exposed stone and wooden furnishings. A serene and rare place.

  • Local exploring - Located in an historic region there's plenty to discover nearby.
  • Great walks - Walking through the old city of Matera is like stepping into a time machine, ancient chapels and forts dominate the skyline.
  • Sights nearby - The Sassi houses have been inhabited for thousands of years and Matera is one of the world's oldest inhabited cities.
  • Outstanding location
from AU$243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Antica Torre di Luso
Antica Torre di Luso

Matera (Matera)

Two room hotel/ B&B with regal elegance but modern, minimalist sensibilities atop an ancient tower in the historic centre of Madera, offering suites with breathtaking balcony views of the city. With vaulted stone ceilings, antique chairs and murals on walls, suites come with a hot tub bath.

  • Romantic Break - The suites come with a hot tub and a dinner of traditional Lucan cuisine can be prepared on the balcony.
  • Designer
  • Spa
  • Boutique
from AU$256 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palazzo del Duca
Palazzo del Duca

Matera (Matera)

Elegant accommodation in the heart of Matera, offering en-suite rooms that seamlessly blend the rustic traditions of the "sassi" dwellings with modernity. There is a restaurant serving local cuisine, bar and massages on offer. Ideal for newly-weds or those looking to soak in the city's history.

  • Romantic Break - The suites come with either a heated indoor pool or a hot tub.
  • Swimming Pool - The suite Grottopignata has a small heated pool.
  • Cooking classes - The restaurant offers cooking classes.
  • Designer
from AU$259 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palazzo Gattini
Palazzo Gattini

Matera

Elegant 5* spa hotel. Rooms have contemporary furniture, exposed stone walls, luxurious bathrooms and artworks. Rooftop pool, terrace, extensive spa. Excellent dishes from Basilicata in the restaurant. Historic, chic and romantic.

  • Spa breaks - Outstanding spa in the ancient cisterns of the palazzo, with extensive range of treatments in relaxing and luxurious hotel
  • Sights nearby - Santa Maria di Costantinopoli; Cathedral of Matera, Sassi, and San Giovanni Battista Church
  • Romantic
  • Local markets
from AU$259 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Locanda di San Martino
Locanda di San Martino

Matera

Gorgeous hotel in the city. Rooms are large and decorated with antique furniture, original stone features and modern bathrooms. Indoor pool and excellent spa with Turkish baths. Atmospheric stay with lots of Italian romance and splendid views of the city.

  • Local exploring - If you can bear to leave the romantic hotel, there are many regional historical delights in Matera and surroundings
  • Sights nearby - San Giovanni Battista Church, Sassi, and Cathedral of Matera
  • Full of character
  • Romantic
from AU$274 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Le Origini
Le Origini

Matera (Matera)

Gorgeous hotel in the historic centre of Matera, offering en-suite rooms which wed warm, rustic styles with minimalist decor. Expect tiled floors, colourful vintage furnishings and exposed stone walls. Rooms also boast delightful views of the "sassi" dwellings, and the suites come with a whirlpool.

  • Spa - Book one of the chic suites boasting a whirlpool with chromotherapy features.
  • Local exploring - Ideally positioned to explore Matera by foot.
  • Sights nearby - At the foot of the Convent of Sant' Agostino, a former cloistered monastry.
  • Restrictions on children - Adult only
from AU$275 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Sant'Angelo
Hotel Sant'Angelo

Matera (Matera)

An intimate 5-star resort carved out into the mountain rock of Matera. Offering cosy, rustic yet modern, rooms completed with archaic furnishings and panoramic views of the historic centre. The restaurant serves excellent local cuisine. Ideal for those looking for a unique holiday.

  • Local exploring - In the historic centre, Matera Cathedral and Tramontano Castle are a mere 3 minute walk away.
  • Great walks - The hotel regularly organises walking tours around the city for guests.
  • Cooking classes - Book a cooking class and learn how to make dishes of the region.
  • Views
from AU$309 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita

Matera

A cave hotel with medieval romance in a magnificent hilltop setting. Very unusual rooms and suites with vaulted ceilings, sandstone walls, and standalone bathtubs with burning log fires. Delicious food, cooking lessons, and spectacular views. Definite wow factor for honeymooners or romantic breaks.

  • Unusual - Constructed caves.
  • Romantic
  • Romantic Break
  • Honeymoons
from AU$324 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia