Vetera Matera

We came to Matera with friends for a few nights before heading to Puglia for a bike trip. Matera is a UNESCO world heritage site, known for its sassi (limestone rock houses and neighborhoods). Beautiful and interesting, it is NOT a place easily navigated if one has physical disabilities.
Matera Vetera is an exquisitely restored historic property, Relais & Chateau brand and is built of limestone rock and encompasses a prehistoric cave. The attention to detail is impressive. The rooms vary from a cave suite (where we stayed for one night), to those on upper levels with private patios and gorgeous views of the sassi and the many rock churches. It is a unique place among many B&B’s and small hotels. There is also a lovely spa offering massage and other treatments located in the lower cave area. Although there are many stone stairs joining various levels of the hotel, it is also served by elevators. Service was very good, and I would particularly like to commend Michaela at the front desk who is lovely, and very helpful. The breakfast buffet is comprised of fresh fruits, fresh juices, local yogurts and cheeses, breads, vegetables and antipasti, with seating on a lovely shaded patio and inside. There is also a menu for eggs, omelets, etc.
If one is headed to Matera, this is a wonderful hotel, well-located and lovingly restored to perfection.

Beautiful elegant hotel with excellent friendly service. Rooms are extremely comfortable. Delicious breakfast. Atmospheric courtyard for aperitivo. Perfect location, Matera is small so everything is walkable. And very dog friendly! Seamless parking transfer offered. We also enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Artema.

First of all everyone should visit Matera once in their life. It is a special place in the world. If you go I highly recommend Vetera Matera as the hotel of choice. It was wonderful. We spent 3 nights and we were sad to leave. We hugged the staff as we left because they became like friends. Everyone was so nice, especially Annarosa at the front desk as well as Sara and all the others, Simona in the restaurant (which was amazing — more below), and Valerya, and Stefano in the Spa.
The restaurant was fabulous, My wife and I agree that the tasting menu dinner we had there was not just the best of our 2 week trip but rose to the top 3 list of our entire life and we have been blessed to eat in some of the worlds best.
The spa was a pleasure to enjoy. It is small but so is the hotel so there was amazing quiet and privacy in use of the facility. The spa pool was one of the prettiest you will ever see. The people were great.
The bar and the bar attendants Ciprian and Rafaello we so friendly and made great suggestions. And be sure to take your drink up to the outdoor patio at and after sunset for the view. It is amazing.
I would love to return to Vetera Matera.

Vetera Matera was one of the most memorable hotel experiences we’ve had. The hotel is built right in the heart of the Sassi region, and it feels incredibly special, dramatic, and luxurious from the moment you arrive.
The property itself is stunning — beautifully designed with cave experience, full of character, and perfectly integrated into the historic setting of Matera. The spa was excellent, and the food at Artemis, the in-house restaurant, was great. We also loved the lobby bar and the backyard.
With its breathtaking views of the Sassi, both during the day and at night. Honestly, we found it hard to leave the hotel.
The service was spot on throughout our stay — especially Michelle (may be misspelling her name) and Antonio. The staff were extremely courteous, polished, and well trained, and they made the experience feel effortless and high-end. Our stay at Vetera truly enhanced our entire experience of Matera.
We would absolutely love to come back and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Matera. A dramatic, luxurious, and unforgettable stay.

Vetera Matera delivered one of the most memorable hotel experiences we have ever had. Our stay was phenomenal from start to finish: refined, luxurious, and deeply relaxing in every way.
We stayed in Room 24, one of only two rooms on the highest level of the hotel, and having a balcony with such an extraordinary view made the experience feel even more exclusive and unforgettable.
The service was outstanding. Filippo, who picked us up at the garage, was friendly, caring, and incredibly knowledgeable. From there, the entire staff made us feel welcomed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. Their warmth and professionalism elevated the entire stay.
The spa was absolutely beautiful: immaculate, peaceful, and memorable, with a sauna, hammam, cold plunge, and jacuzzi that completed the experience perfectly.
We left wishing we had booked more than one night. Vetera Matera is truly a special place.

Vetera Matera, nestled in the heart of Matera’s UNESCO-listed Sassi, captivates with its prime location overlooking the ancient, cave-dotted landscape and Gravina canyon. Housed in a meticulously restored historic building, its architecture blends rustic stone charm with elegant, modern touches. The rooms, spacious and tastefully designed, offer a cozy yet luxurious retreat with stunning views of the Sassi’s golden hues. Fleeing the challenges of a cave hotel, we were warmly welcomed by Vetera Matera’s exceptional staff. Overflowing with hospitality, the front desk, concierge, restaurant team, drivers, and butlers were all remarkably helpful. The front desk went above and beyond, arranging reservations and plans on our behalf, making our short stay unforgettable. Every interaction was marked by genuine care, elevating the experience. The hotel’s serene ambiance and proximity to Matera’s historic treasures enhance its allure. Ideal for those seeking comfort and culture, Vetera Matera is a perfect base to explore the city. Its staff’s dedication ensures lasting memories for every guest. In October 2025.

Beautiful hotel in a breathtaking location. Simply put, this is a true luxury experience without excessive pricing or unanticipated extras. The staff at Vetera Matera are to be commended for generating a high level of service. We have never stayed at a hotel where the staff were so genuine, and conducted themselves with such grace.

We spent three nights at this charming hotel. Parking and garage pick up were flawless and welcoming, even in heavy rain. The room was large and well equipped and dinner in the restaurant wonderful, although there were not many guests. Charming staff, but some issues with the English language. Also, coordination between the different people working on reception could have been better — our requests to one person were not passed on to the next ‚shift‘. The spa is small and had some technical issues. I imagine that some of our ‚problems‘ are start-up issues in the hotel‘s first year and will be sorted out soon.

Just spent two nights at the lovely new hotel In Matera. Absolutely exceptional location and spa! perfect after a long hot day walking in the Sasso Barisano. Its a must to visit the beautiful, and I mean beautiful cave spa. Even without a service booked you can enjoy a sauna, hot tub, steam, lounge terrace and emotional shower! :) enjoyed a fantastic couples massage with spa manager Francesco.

We stayed at second floor apartament. There is another one at the I floor. The photos speak by themselfs. It is an experience to stay in an apartament in the sassy and I highly recommend doing that.