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.
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?!...
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
