Waking up slowly and having coffee outdoors...

...before wandering towards the narrow city streets to get some shade.

Inside at Sextantio, clean minimalism meets ancient rustic elements. The rooms are built around large bathrooms and large beds. After all, what else would you need?

With endless chalkstone buildings, the city silhouette looks like no other place in Italy.

15 / 6 / 18

Matera

Located in the deep south of Italy, Matera is the oldest city in Italy.

Actually it is said to be the third oldest city in the world, dating back ten thousand years. On the map of Italy you will find it on the sole of the boot, just where the heel begins.

Matera will be the European Capital of Culture in 2019, so if you have been planning to visit, why not go before the rush.

The most interesting part of the city is the Sassi area. The word sassi means stones in English and refers to the ancient stone dwellings where the nicest hotels and restaurants of the city are now being built.

My favorite of them all is Sextantio, where we have stayed twice on our southern roadtrips.

I will never forget waking up in the morning, throwing windows open and facing the dramatic landscape. At the edge of the mountain, with the stream flowing wild somewhere far below, you feel so very small and it is all good.