Il Sorriso dei Sassi Rooms
In the heart of the Sassi di Matera, just a short walk from the Gravina Gorge and the stunning Cathedral, Il Sorriso dei Sassi Rooms welcomes guests in a charming 18th-century building made entirely of local stone, perched above ancient underground homes dating back to the year 1000. The original architectural features, such as the vaulted tuff ceilings and thick stone walls, have been meticulously preserved, giving the establishment an authentic and refined atmosphere.
The first floor houses the entrance and reception, which can be accessed via a dramatic staircase, along with the deluxe studio Civita House. On the upper level, there are four rooms categorized into different types: the Junior Suite, Superior Deluxe (Belvedere and Idris), Deluxe, and Standard (Castello and Nido). All accommodations include a private bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms offer captivating views of the Sassi.
The location is perfect for exploring the city on foot: it takes just ten minutes to reach Piazza Vittorio Veneto, while the Cathedral is only 650 meters away. In about half an hour by car, you can reach the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, making this place ideal for those wanting to combine art, culture, and relaxation.
Matera, the European Capital of Culture 2019 and a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivates visitors with its ancient cave districts, Romanesque churches, and Baroque palaces. Local guides enhance every visit with stories and routes through the Romanesque-style Cathedral, the works at the Ridola Museum, the Carlo Levi collection at Palazzo Lanfranchi, and the over 150 rock churches in the Regional Park. A stay at Il Sorriso dei Sassi Rooms thus becomes an immersive experience in one of the most enchanting cities in the world.
FREE cancellation!
Nido (Nest) is a delightful 13 sqm standard room complete with all amenities. The characteristic “Nido” room takes its name from the discovery on the window sill during the renovation of the building, of a cricket hawk's nest, a protected species characteristic of the Murgia plateau.
Castello is a comfortable deluxe room of 18 sqm complete with all amenities. Its special feature is the bathroom created from a former full-height fireplace that was once used to heat the entire house. The characteristic “Castello” room takes its name from the position of the room facing the Tramontano Castle, built by Count Gian Carlo Tramontano of Matera.
Idris is a comfortable superior deluxe room of 22sqm with a double bed and panoramic view of the Sassi, complete with all amenities. The characteristic “Idris” room takes its name from the view of the marvellous Madonna De Idris, which stands at the top of the rocky spur of Montirone (or Monterrone), near Piazza San Pietro Caveoso. The location is wonderful and offers a unique view of the Sassi.
Belvedere is an elegant Junior Suite of 25sqm with a balcony overlooking the Sassi and a Jacuzzi bathtub, complete with all comforts. Our suite takes its name from the view facing the Belvedere of Matera. From this room you can enjoy a unique view that varies in colour and atmosphere with the changing seasons.
Civita House is a comfortable deluxe studio apartment of 40sqm with vaulted ceilings, a double bed, a kitchenette, a private bathroom with a large shower, a sitting area, a small private library and a splendid view of the Sassi. The characteristic “Civita” studio apartment takes its name from the oldest nucleus of the city of Matera, set on the main street of the Sasso Caveoso. Its privileged position offers a unique view of the Sassi and an optimal starting point for visiting the city.
Hello! I'm Alessandra, the owner and manager of Il Sorriso dei Sassi Rooms, a place I have had the pleasure of running for nearly 16 years. With 22 years of experience in the tourism industry, I still have a deep passion for this job, which allows me to meet people from all over the world.
My establishment is warm and inviting, located in a prime spot. We are situated along the main street of Sasso Caveoso, just 50 meters from the heart of the historic center and 100 meters from the nearest parking areas. Everything here is easily accessible. We are surrounded by the city's most captivating attractions, from monuments with stunning art displays to ancient sites rich in history—there truly is something for everyone!
Additionally, after you make your reservation, I will be happy to send you a free digital mini-guide, personally created by me, with my top recommendations for Matera.
What are you waiting for? We look forward to welcoming you! :)
Matera is one of the most remarkable cities in the Mediterranean, suspended between past and present in a captivating and surprising balance. Nestled on a rocky plateau, it overlooks a deep ravine where the landscape turns wild and primitive, and the Sassi – the famous dwellings carved into limestone – tell a millennia-old story of ingenuity, resilience, and harmony with nature. What was once a symbol of backwardness is now an invaluable cultural heritage, protected by UNESCO and celebrated worldwide for its uniqueness.
Strolling through the Sassi is like taking a journey back in time: every alley, every cave, and every staircase holds the memory of a peasant civilization that skillfully shaped stone to create one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements. The area is divided into the neighborhoods of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, featuring cave-houses, frescoed rock churches, shared courtyards, and ancient cisterns for collecting rainwater, all testament to extraordinary architectural wisdom.
From the hill of Civita, dominated by the majestic 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral, the view extends over the tuff roofs and overlapping terraces, in a landscape that has inspired filmmakers and travelers from around the globe. Just a short walk away, the historic center reveals another side of Matera: the baroque, elegant, and bright, with its ornate churches, noble palaces, and museums housing treasures of art and archaeology. Palazzo Lanfranchi, for instance, features a rich collection of modern and medieval art, while the Museo Ridola showcases the prehistoric origins of the area with extraordinary artifacts.
Just outside the town lies the Murgia Materana Park, a natural area of great value that houses over 150 rock churches embedded in the stone, Neolithic villages, and a Mediterranean flora fragrant with wild herbs. The paths winding through the ravine offer spectacular views, with canyons, caves, and breathtaking panoramas of the ancient city, perfect for those who love trekking or simply wish to contemplate the silence and beauty of nature.
Matera is much more than a tourist destination: it is a place of the soul, a living heritage that can evoke strong emotions in every season. Visiting this city means immersing oneself in a millennia-old history, guided by stone and light, amidst tradition, art, and unforgettable landscapes.
Via Casalnuovo, 32 - Matera (MT) - Directions
P.I. 01369710775
National identification code IT077014B402584001
Regional identification code 077014B402584001
