Tucked into the rugged cliffs of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage city in southern Italy, lies an experience that feels both otherworldly and sacred: Rest at Rooftop Monastery Grace at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. It is more than just a stay—it is a transcendental moment suspended between ancient history and monastic simplicity. Imagine waking up beneath stone-vaulted ceilings, the faint scent of beeswax candles in the air, and stepping onto a rooftop terrace that once served as part of a medieval monastery, with a panoramic view of Italy’s most hauntingly beautiful landscape. This isn’t your average hotel—it’s a portal to another time.
The Enchanted Grotto Suites
Each suite at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is carved into the mountain’s limestone, preserving the integrity of ancient cave dwellings once inhabited by monks and villagers. But don’t let the word “cave” fool you—these interiors are anything but primitive. By marrying raw stone textures with minimalist, monastic decor, the design evokes deep serenity. Bed linens are hand-woven, wooden furniture is reclaimed, and lighting is kept intentionally dim, casting warm shadows across the chiseled walls.
There is no television, no phone, and no digital noise—only the soft sounds of wind, echoing birdsong, and, occasionally, the distant chime of church bells. This conscious absence of modern distraction invites you into an intimate relationship with the space and its history.
Rooftop Moments of Grace
The crown jewel of this experience is the rooftop. Ascend the winding stone stairs to arrive at a terrace that whispers of spiritual reflection. It once served as a place of quiet contemplation for Capuchin monks, and today, guests are invited to continue the tradition in their own way.
Here, you can enjoy a breakfast of fresh ricotta, crusty bread, and sun-ripened figs while gazing over the Gravina canyon. In the evening, the space transforms into a private sanctuary—perfect for sipping local Aglianico wine as the city’s golden lights flicker across the rock-carved facades.
At dawn or dusk, meditation and yoga sessions are offered on the terrace, surrounded by candles and the vast silence of the ravine below. The energy of the place—its stillness, its ancient wisdom—becomes part of your breath.
A Chapel Turned Dining Room
Another highlight of the Sextantio experience is its ethereal dining space, set inside a deconsecrated 13th-century church. Here, breakfast and candlelit dinners are served under soaring arches, accompanied by Gregorian chants and flickering flames. The menu is crafted from regional, organic ingredients—slow food at its most soulful.
This blend of the sacred and the sensual, of rusticity and refinement, defines the unique allure of Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. It’s not just about what you see or eat—it’s about how you feel while being there.
Q&A: Extend the Magic Elsewhere
Q: Are there other hotels that offer similarly spiritual or immersive experiences?
A: Absolutely. Here are three exceptional stays that echo the sense of wonder found at Sextantio:
- Eremito, Umbria, Italy
A digital detox retreat housed in a restored hermitage, Eremito invites guests into a silent, monastic lifestyle with single “celluzze” rooms and candlelit dinners. Perfect for introspection and simplicity seekers. - Amangiri, Utah, USA
Nestled in the otherworldly canyons of southern Utah, Amangiri offers a luxurious spiritual immersion in nature. With spa rituals inspired by Navajo traditions and architecture that blends seamlessly into the desert, it’s a sanctuary of the sublime. - Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
This Bill Bensley-designed eco-retreat in the Cambodian rainforest is a jungle fantasia with a purpose. Combining conservation with luxury, it delivers an adventurous yet deeply grounding experience.
Q: Is Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita suitable for families or group travel?
A: The atmosphere leans more toward romantic couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking for a retreat-like ambiance. While children are welcome, the setting is best appreciated by those seeking silence and stillness.
Q: What time of year is best to visit?
A: Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings vibrant festivals, while winter offers a moody, contemplative beauty.
A Sacred Stay Beyond Time
Rest at Rooftop Monastery Grace at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is not merely a destination—it is a profound experience. It slows time, quiets the noise of modern life, and connects you to a lineage of simplicity, contemplation, and grace. In an age of constant motion, this is a place where you can simply be—and in that stillness, rediscover something essential.
For those seeking luxury in silence, beauty in stone, and stories whispered by candlelight, Sextantio offers not just a stay, but a soulful homecoming.