Matera, Italy — Matera, in Italy's deepest south, has been picked as the 2019 European Capital of Culture. Courtesy Sextantio.it Grotte della Civita — Grotte della Civita in Matera is a resort created from caves that were a refuge for monks, nuns and hermits fleeing persecution in the Middle Ages Courtesy Sextantio.it Spiritual retreat — The basic but upscale rooms at Grotte della Civita are ideal for anyone looking to do some soul searching. Courtesy Sextantio.it Movie set — Matera's ancient religious structures were used as backdrops in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ." Courtesy Sextantio.it 'Troglodyte' outcasts — For centuries, Matera's 156 rock crypts and maze of grottoes were home to "troglodyte" outcasts living in inhuman conditions. Courtesy Sextantio.it Murgia Park — Matera overlooks the deep gorge of Murgia Park, cut by a dark river and overlooked by holes carved into the mountain on the other side. Silvia Marchetti Eremito Hotelito del Alma — Eremito Hotelito del Alma is a "modern ashram" built by former jeans designer Marcello Murzilli. It's set in a 3,000-hectare park in Umbria. Eremito Hotelito del Alma La Palazzetta del Vescovo — A summer residence in the 1700s, La Palazzetta del Vescovo, close to Perugia, is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. La Palazzetta del Vescovo Prev Next
