Hotel in Grotto Matera 513

Description

Located in the Sassi (stone city) of Matera in Basilicata, this hotel offers a unique experience. The New York Times described this amazing place as one of the most extraordinary locations in the world; The Times declared it among the 10 most beautiful hotels in the world and Conde Naste Tatler called it one of the 100 most beautiful hotels on the planet.

The Sassi of Matera are caves and grottoes excavated into the rock which have been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 20th century they became infamous for their stark poverty “” notorious as one of the poorest places in Europe.

Our guests will experience a particular atmosphere evoking the cultural and human history of the Sassi of Matera.

This harsh environment had an impact on visiting writers poets and film directors: from Carlo Levi to Paolo Pasolini. Mel Gibson filmed his Passion of the Christ in the Sassi. In 1993 the Sassi of Matera became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other Information

The hotel offers eighteen unique historic rooms hosting no more than 40 guests at a time. Accommodation is located on three levels which are connected by staircases and terraces.

Each room has access to the outside area where there is a fruit and flower garden and a view across the river and valley with its characteristic cave churches.

The 18 caves have been meticulously restored in order to preserve the character of the unique environment instead of covering up the marks of time the owners have retained them to evoke the lifestyle of the original inhabitants of the caves.

Some of the rooms still have centuries old carvings on the walls. Furniture is crafted from antique wood by local artisans; linen comes from antique dowry chests and is made by hand.

There are no televisions or mini bars in the rooms. Guests will find complimentary fresh water seasonal fruit and traditional sweets in their rooms.

Each evening, liquors are placed on your table the bed is prepared for the night and the room is warmed by candlelight and scented with traditional local essence.

Each room is fitted an underfloor heating system and is cooled in the summer.

The breakfast/lounge area is situated in an ancient rock church.

HIGH SEASON: April July; Sept Oct
PEAK SEASON: August
LOW SEASON: Nov March

Area

Near the church of San Nicolo de Greci on the oldest parts of the Sasso Barisano area of Matera in region of Basilicata.