Welcome to Matera, a stunning city located in southern Italy known for its ancient cave dwellings and breathtaking views. If you’re planning a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s important to find the perfect accommodation to enhance your experience. In this post, we will explore some of the top hotels in Matera that offer comfort, luxury, and a taste of the city’s rich history. Whether you prefer a modern hotel with all the amenities or a traditional cave dwelling, Matera has something for every traveler’s taste and budget. Let’s dive in and discover the best places to stay in Matera.
Where did Daniel Craig stay in Matera?
Daniel Craig stayed at the Palazzo Gattini during his time in Matera. This luxurious five-star hotel is located in the heart of the historic city center, offering stunning views of the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace, combining modern amenities with traditional Italian charm.
The Palazzo Gattini offers a range of elegant and spacious rooms and suites, each exquisitely decorated with a blend of contemporary and classic design. Guests can enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also feature balconies or terraces with panoramic views of the city.
In addition to its comfortable accommodations, the Palazzo Gattini boasts a variety of facilities to enhance guests’ stay. These include a rooftop terrace with a bar, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the breathtaking views. The hotel also features a spa and wellness center, complete with a sauna, Turkish bath, and massage rooms, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring Matera’s historic streets.
Guests at the Palazzo Gattini can indulge in exquisite dining experiences at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a combination of traditional regional cuisine and international dishes. The attentive staff provides top-notch service, ensuring that every guest’s needs are met.
Overall, staying at the Palazzo Gattini offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience in Matera. With its prime location, stunning views, and impeccable service, it is no wonder that Daniel Craig chose this hotel during his visit to the city.
Is it worth staying in Matera?
Yes, it is definitely worth staying in Matera for 2 or 3 days to fully experience the city and its surrounding area. While it may be tempting to just stop by for a few hours on a day trip or bus tour, you would be missing out on the true essence of Matera.
Matera, located in southern Italy, is famous for its unique ancient cave dwellings known as sassi. These historical neighborhoods are carved into the rock and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Exploring the sassi requires comfortable walking shoes as they are filled with stone steps and paths to climb and explore. The architecture and layout of the sassi are truly remarkable, and you can spend hours wandering through the narrow streets and discovering hidden corners.
Aside from the sassi, Matera also has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is home to numerous churches, museums, and archaeological sites that showcase its ancient past. You can visit the Matera Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century, or explore the Palazzo Lanfranchi, a former noble residence that now houses the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata.
Additionally, the surrounding area of Matera offers beautiful natural landscapes and picturesque towns. You can take a day trip to the nearby Parco della Murgia Materana, a national park with stunning views and hiking trails. The town of Altamura, known for its delicious bread and impressive cathedral, is also worth a visit.
In terms of accommodation, Matera offers a range of options to suit different budgets. You can find charming boutique hotels located within the sassi, providing a unique and immersive experience. There are also more modern hotels available in the newer part of the city.
In conclusion, spending 2 or 3 days in Matera allows you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring the ancient sassi, visiting museums and churches, or venturing into the surrounding area, Matera has something to offer everyone.
What is the best area in Matera to stay in?
The best area to stay in Matera is undoubtedly the Sassi. These ancient neighborhoods, known as Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, are the heart and soul of the city. The Sassi are characterized by their unique cave dwellings, which have been converted into charming hotels, restaurants, and shops. Staying in the Sassi allows you to immerse yourself in Matera’s rich history and experience the true essence of the city.
The Sassi offer a truly authentic and magical atmosphere, with narrow winding streets, stone houses, and breathtaking views. The area is also home to many of Matera’s famous landmarks, such as the stunning rock churches and the iconic Palazzo Lanfranchi. Exploring the Sassi is like stepping back in time, and you can easily spend hours getting lost in its labyrinthine alleys.
When it comes to accommodation in the Sassi, you’ll find a range of options to suit different budgets. From luxurious cave hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, there is something for everyone. The prices for staying in the Sassi can vary, with the average cost for a mid-range hotel being around 100-150 euros per night. However, there are also more affordable options available, particularly if you’re willing to stay in a smaller guesthouse or hostel.
In conclusion, if you’re visiting Matera, the Sassi is the best area to stay in. It offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s history and soak up its enchanting atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable getaway, staying in the Sassi will undoubtedly be a highlight of your visit to Matera.
How many days do you need in Matera?
If you are planning a visit to Matera, we recommend spending a full 2 days in the city to fully experience its unique charm. Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as Sassi. These fascinating cave houses are carved into the hillside and offer a glimpse into Matera’s rich history.
During your first day in Matera, we suggest starting with a guided tour of the Sassi. This will give you a deeper understanding of the city’s history and allow you to explore its winding alleys and hidden corners. You can also visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a preserved cave house that provides a glimpse into what life was like for Matera’s residents in the past.
In the afternoon, take some time to visit the Matera Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. This beautiful cathedral features stunning architecture and intricate frescoes. Afterward, head to the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square in Matera, where you can relax and enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the outdoor cafes.
On your second day in Matera, consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Altamura. This charming town is known for its delicious bread and impressive cathedral. In Altamura, you can also visit the Museo Archeologico Statale, which houses a collection of artifacts from the region’s ancient past.
Back in Matera, spend some time exploring the modern part of the city, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the local cuisine, which includes dishes like orecchiette pasta, lamb skewers, and pastries.
In conclusion, 2 days in Matera is the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s unique history, visit its impressive landmarks, and enjoy the local cuisine. Make sure to plan ahead and book your accommodations in advance to make the most of your stay in this fascinating city.
How touristy is Matera?
Currently, Matera is starting to attract tourists, but it is not yet overrun with crowds. While there are visitors exploring the city, the numbers are still relatively low compared to more popular tourist destinations in Northern Italy. Most tourists arrive in Matera as part of organized group tours, typically by bus. These tours often have a limited amount of time in the city, so visitors tend to arrive in the morning and leave by late afternoon, missing out on the opportunity to experience the city’s charm after sunset.
However, Matera’s tourism industry is growing rapidly. The city’s unique cave dwellings and ancient architecture are becoming increasingly popular, leading to the construction of new cave hotels and accommodations. With more people discovering the beauty and history of Matera, it is only a matter of time before the city becomes a major tourist hub. As word spreads about this hidden gem, Matera has the potential to rival the well-known cities in the north of Italy, attracting visitors from all around the world.
