Italy - Matera
Matera, the jewel of the Basilicata region in Italy, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements. The city's main attraction is the Sassi di Matera, a system of cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs and labyrinthine streets, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993.
Tourism Features and Atmosphere
Matera’s unique landscape, reminiscent of biblical times, has inspired many filmmakers (it was the filming location for Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die). In the 1950s, the city was still known as the "shame of Italy" due to its impoverished cave dwellings; today, however, these homes have been transformed into luxury hotels, cozy restaurants, and galleries awaiting visitors. In 2019, it was the European Capital of Culture, which gave a modern boost to tourism.
Main Attractions
Sassi di Matera (Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso): The two major historical districts. Sasso Barisano is more developed, while Sasso Caveoso has better preserved its cave-city character.
Matera Cathedral (Duomo): Built in the 13th century in Apulian Romanesque style, it stands at the highest point of the city, offering a magnificent view of the Sassi district.
Rupestrian Churches (Chiese Rupestri): There are more than 150 rock-cut churches in the area, the most famous of which is Santa Maria de Idris, located on the side of a massive rock cliff.
Casa Grotta di vico Solitario: An authentically furnished cave-dwelling museum that demonstrates how families of 10-11 people lived together with their animals in a single room until the 1950s.
Palombaro Lungo: A monumental water cistern system stretching beneath the city's main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, also known as the "water cathedral."
Belvedere Murgia Timone: A viewpoint on the opposite side of the Gravina canyon, offering the most beautiful panorama of the entire city.
Accommodation Offer:
The Matera Collection is an exclusive hotel brand (a so-called "soft brand") that brings together the most unique, independent accommodations in and around Matera. Members of the collection include historical palaces, cave hotels, and country estates (masserias), with a total of 133 rooms. [1, 2]
Featured Hotels of the Collection
Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel: A 5-star luxury hotel set in a 15th-century noble palace on Duomo Square. Its highlights include a spa located in caves and a spectacular view.
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa: A blend of modern minimalist design and ancient cave dwellings in the heart of the Sassi. Its award-winning wellness area features a spacious cave pool.
Alvino Relais Mulino Contemporaneo: A hotel converted from a 19th-century steam mill, with spacious areas ideal for events and conferences.
Palazzo della Fontana: Urban elegance in the city center with a breathtaking rooftop panorama over the historic district.
Vetera Matera: A 5-star boutique hotel located in the Sasso Barisano district, offering exclusive private spa experiences.
| Hotel name | Number of rooms | Room types | Gastronomy | Spa-wellness | Conference - banquete |
| Palazzo Gattini | 20 | Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite | Restaurant, wine bar, rooftop terrace | Cave spa, hammam, pool | Business center, event hall |
| Aquatio Cave | 16 | Cave rooms, Junior Suite, Suite | Gourmet restaurant, bar | Heated cave pool, sauna | Suitable for small exclusive meetings |
| Alvino Relais | 25 | Classic, Superior, Suite | Restaurant, breakfast terrace | Turkish bath, sauna, jacuzzi | Large conference hall, event venue |
| Palazzo della Fontana | 12 | Urban rooms, Junior Suite | Bar, panoramic breakfast | Rooftop terrace for private events | |
| Vetera Matera | 12 | Master Suite, Queen Suite | Restaurant, bar | Private spa, massages | Exclusive venue for small groups |
| Palazzo del Duca | 12 | Luxury rooms, Suites | Restaurant (local cuisine) | Rooms with private pools | Small event venue |