Palazzo Del Duca Hotel & Restaurant
Intimate, historically meticulous boutique hotel with a cave-dwellers-meet-aristocracy feel. Minimal, period-faithful decor with king-size beds, crystal chandeliers, and raw tuff walls all in the same frame.
Ask the hotel to arrange a luggage porter ahead of arrival — the Sassi alleys are steep and cobbled
Why It Matters
Only luxury hotel on Via Muro. The cave suites with heated private pools built into original cisterns are genuinely rare — there are only two in the property. The restaurant is set inside a millennia-old grotto with a terrace overlooking the Sassi and Gravina canyon. Chef Mario David cooks a land-and-sea menu rooted in Basilicata flavors after 40 years of international experience.
Palazzo del Duca sits on Via Muro — a street made famous by Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and the James Bond film No Time to Die — inside Matera's UNESCO-listed Sassi. The palace dates to the 14th century and belonged to the Malvini Malvezzi family, Dukes of Santa Candida. Two Matera natives, Rossana Gaudiano and Francesco D'Alema, began restoring it in 2015 and opened the first rooms in 2017. Today it operates as an albergo diffuso — a scattered hotel — with 22 rooms across several historic buildings connected along the slopes of the Civita. Restoration used period materials throughout: cocciopesto plaster, lime wash, tuff stone, natural pigments. Local artisans made the velvet headboards and stone bathroom fittings. The standout rooms are two suites with private cave pools carved into ancient cisterns.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Classic
The entry-level room at Palazzo del Duca is honest about what it is: 18 sqm of tuff walls, double bed, and original stone features. Compact by any measure, but the historic fabric of the space — vaulted ceilings, period finishes — makes it far more interesting than a generic boutique double. Good for those who just want the address and the atmosphere without the splurge.
Double · 18 sqm
Deluxe
A step up from Classic, the Deluxe rooms offer more space and typically city views. Furnished with the same velvet headboards, crystal chandeliers, and tuff stone details as the rest of the hotel. Each room has its own character — decor varies unit to unit.
Double
Family Suite
The Family Suite features a private entrance, a living room, a separate bedroom, and a full bathroom with bath and shower. Terrace with city views. Built for families or couples who want more privacy and flexibility — one of the few room types at this property that suits longer stays. Cots available at extra cost.
Double plus additional
Junior Suite
The Junior Suites give guests more breathing room — large enough to feel like a proper suite, with some units featuring a hidden storage/closet area discreetly positioned behind the bed. Rooms are carved into or built adjacent to tuff rock volumes with vaulted ceilings. Aromatherapy bath products included.
Double or King
Junior Suite Deluxe
An enhanced version of the Junior Suite with upgraded finishes and, in some configurations, a whirlpool bathtub or terrace access. The detailing — brass fixtures, velvet, stone bathroom fittings — is a notch above the standard Junior.
King
Suite
At 35 sqm, the Suite is where the architecture really opens up — wide vaulted ceilings, refined stone floors, and a proper view of the Sasso Caveoso and the Gravina canyon below. Separate living area, premium bedding, and a full bathroom with bath. Ideal if you want the Sassi panorama without going all-in on the pool suite price.
Double or King · 35 sqm
Suite with Pool
The crown jewel. Carved into white tuff rock, this 55 sqm suite contains a private cave pool — heated to a maximum of 30°C — built into an original ancient cistern. The pool is surrounded by raw rock walls with minimalist furnishings; the effect is genuinely otherworldly. Adults only (14+), maximum 2 guests. There are just two of these in the property. Guests consistently call the in-room pool the highlight of their entire Matera trip.
King · 55 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A guided tour to the James Bond film No Time to Die locations across Matera, including Via Muro (the hotel's own street). Matera stood in for the fictional city of Matera/Safin's island in the 2021 film.
An exclusive tour of Matera's hidden artisan workshops — meeting local craftspeople, learning about ancient trades, and seeing the city well beyond the main tourist trail.
Experience the ritual of baking Matera IGP bread in a historic bakery. Expert bakers guide guests through the process and guests take home their own loaf.
A hands-on pasta-making session led by Chef Mario David, followed by a lunch or dinner to enjoy the results.
Private gourmet dining in the ancient stone cave at the heart of the Palazzo — a more exclusive arrangement than a standard restaurant booking.
Organized day out to the Ionian coast between Metaponto and Policoro — about 60 km from Matera — for beach, sea, and nature.
Guided tours through the Sassi and Murgia Park, or a classic Ape Calessino (three-wheeled car) panoramic tour across Matera's most scenic viewpoints.
Wine and food tastings, cooking classes, and guided walks through markets and traditional food shops across Puglia and Basilicata villages.
Wine and aperitivo service on the hotel's panoramic terraces as the sun drops behind the Murgia plateau and the Sassi glow gold.
Guided excursion to the Crypt of the Original Sin, a few kilometers from Matera along the ancient Appian Way — the oldest example of rock-cut art in Southern Italy, with 8th-century Byzantine frescoes.
A loom and crochet workshop led by a professional artisan to experience traditional Lucanian craftsmanship firsthand.
Sunrise or sunset yoga sessions connecting guests with the ancient landscape of Matera.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A dedicated meeting and events space for business gatherings and private events.
Available throughout all areas of the property.
Daily buffet breakfast served in the cave dining room or on the terrace, featuring housemade pastries and local products from chef Fausta.
An in-hotel lounge bar for drinks, aperitivo, and relaxing.
Available for private events, weddings, and celebrations in the historic Sassi setting.
Babysitting available on request through the concierge.
Barbecue grills available for guests in outdoor areas.
A terrace with sweeping views over the Sassi and Gravina canyon, used for breakfast, aperitivo, and dining.
Private heated pools built into original ancient cisterns in two cave suites. Maximum water temperature 30°C. Adults-only (14+).
Personalized assistance daily for tours, transfers, restaurant reservations, and all guest requests.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available for guests.
Reserved parking at a nearby lot for €30/day. Hotel is in a pedestrian-only zone — no direct access by car.
Car rental arrangements through the hotel concierge.
Transfer service from Bari airport (65 km) or train station. Must be arranged 48 hours in advance via the booking confirmation.
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