Palazzo Gattini

AccommodationsHotelsThe List - HotelsItalyMateraPuglia

Jan 21

Written By Lane Oliveri

Palazzo Gattini is a splendid example of sophisticated luxury hospitality.

A worthy member of the truly great European hotels that make one feel completely at home and at ease without pretentious pandering or “trying too hard”.

Operating at a world-class caliber, it’s no surprise that the hotel quietly hosts many of Matera’s visitors of distinction. The palazzo’s guests may or may not have recently included Angelina Jolie, among other discreet celebrity patrons. On the more notorious end of things… when James Bond - No Time to Die was filmed in Matera, the lead actors stayed at Palazzo Gattini while filming.

Central Location

In the heart of Matera’s center, Palazzo Gattini’s understated entrance faces the historic Cattedrale across the piazza, forming a breezy little hilltop breathing space amidst the summer heat and labyrinthian limestone corridors of the old city.

The setting could not be more ideal. Duomo piazza drops away to stunning views of Matera on one side. In the other direction, the hotel’s private rooftop provides a sweeping vista of the Sassi (ancient and modern cave living that Matera is famed for) and the canyon and river below.

History and Design

The Palazzo was once home to some of Matera’s most affluent citizens and at the hands of architect Mr. Ettore Mocchetti, the design retains its historic integrity and storied intrigue while incorporating every modern convenience. For example, while a glass elevator graces the spacious center of the limestone grand staircase like a piece of contemporary art, you can still visit the palazzo’s chapel and an ancient cistern has been converted into an enchanting grotto pool in exquisite compliment to the hotel’s full spa offerings.

Notably, the spa includes a hammam with emotional showers utilizing chroma, and aroma therapy in addition to a full menu of massage and traditional treatment services.

Comfort and Luxury

Our room was spacious and elegantly appointed, its soaring ceilings handpainted with incredible skill and its balcony facing the sunset and cathedral. As with any exceptional stay, I slept like a baby and so, just as it should be, there was only oblivion once my head hit the pillow.

From a smooth pickup to negate any parking headaches to exploring its beautiful corridors dressed in tastefully curated art, to a relaxing afternoon at its underground spa… the Palazzo is an aptly memorable setting for an exquisite stay in one of Italy’s most hauntingly beautiful towns.

Refreshments

Breakfast is served in the cool arched stone underbelly of the palazzo, nearby stairs lead curiously down further to where we discover another cistern has been converted into a stunning wine cellar.

The private rooftop is most ideally equipped with a bar and fine dinner service by reservation. Few evenings in a lifetime will match a twilight spent here, enjoying uncounted minutes following each other unhurried into the night, minutes that have found their way outside of time, in proper Italian fashion.

Traveling often, one discovers that five-star hotels are not necessarily comparable. There exists a class of hospitality, a uniqueness of character, and a quality of design that unquestionably distinguishes some properties above other establishments with a five-star rating. Palazzo Gattini is a perfect example of this elevated experience.

The cool kindness and quality of the concierge/hospitality team cannot be underemphasized, they went above and beyond to plan seamlessly, even coordinating with our next hotel to ensure our luggage and ourselves were both transferred without lifting a finger or so much as a moment of stress.

Our time at the Palazzo was a happy blur, with the only downside being that we were torn between exploring Matera and luxuriating at the spa. Palazzo Gattini is a place we will remember and plan to return to and it is justifiably ranked amongst the top world stays.

You can book your own stay and explore Palazzo Gattini’s website HERE.