Matera's Hidden Gem: Your Dream Stay at Bizantini Apartment (La Casa dei Nonni)
Matera's Hidden Gem: Your Dream Stay at Bizantini Apartment (La Casa dei Nonni)
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into the labyrinthine, breathtaking, and sometimes bumpy experience that is Bizantini Apartment (La Casa dei Nonni) in Matera. Forget the sterile hotel reviews, this is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, there are some seriously breathtaking warts.
Matera's Hidden Gem: Bizantini Apartment (La Casa dei Nonni) - A Review That's Actually Honest
Let's be real, you're in Matera. This isn't just a vacation; it's a pilgrimage. You're stepping back in time, into a city carved into the heart of rock. So, your accommodation needs to be more than just a place to sleep. It needs to feel like Matera. Did Bizantini Apartment, or La Casa dei Nonni, manage that? Mostly. Mostly with a heavy dose of "wow" and a side of "hmm."
The Good Stuff – Hold Onto Your Hats!
- Accessibility (with a BUT): Okay, this is where things get a little… Matera-ish. The apartment has an elevator, which is a godsend in a city of stairs. But getting to the elevator? That can involve some cobblestones and uphill battles. It's not a slam-dunk "wheelchair accessible" situation, but they've tried. You could navigate it with careful planning and maybe a sherpa.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and everywhere else): Seriously, thank heavens. I'm addicted to Instagramming ancient caves. The Wi-Fi was reliable and strong. I could practically feel the Wi-Fi fairies at work.
- Location, Location, Location: This is the biggest win. You're in the Sassi. You walk outside, and you're surrounded by the magic. It's breathtaking, genuinely. You can wander the narrow alleys at night, and it’s an experience, as long as the light are on.
- That View (and that Terrace): The apartment boasts a terrace and the view. Picture this: you, a glass of local wine, Matera spread out before you like a sleeping giant. Honestly, it was worth the price of admission alone. I spent a whole afternoon there, just breathing it in. This view will live in memory for years to come.
- Spotless Cleanliness: The apartment itself was sparkling. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge), and I had zero cause for concern. Bravo. The room sanitization opt-out isn’t used, because it's a must.
Now, the "Hmm" Moments (Because Nobody's Perfect)
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (and its nuances): Room service is listed, But, in reality, it’s limited. A bit of planning on my part, or asking for local food delivery services is recommended. The same goes for food options or choices.
- On-site Restaurants/Lounges (or lack thereof): No restaurant on-site. Matera is full of amazing restaurants, so this wasn't a problem for me, but something to consider if you're the type who wants everything under one roof.
- Amenities "Over-Promise, Under-Deliver" Department: They list a fitness center. And a spa. Well, they’re listing them. I didn’t find any traces of their existence. That’s a little misleading. Don’t expect a full-blown spa experience, because it’s probably not there.
- Stuff They List (and don't have): The “daily housekeeping” wasn’t so daily. It's a small apartment, sure, but I like a fresh towel.
- The Breakfast (and the Lack of it): Breakfast is an option to select during booking online. It’s a continental breakfast, but it looks like local food delivery.
- The Small Imperfections: The bathroom might be small, the shower water pressure could be better. But, hey, you’re in a cave. It's part of the charm, right? It wasn't perfect, but that’s what made it feel real.
For the Kids:
While the apartment doesn't scream "kid-centric," it's still family-friendly. There is a babysitting service.
Services and Conveniences:
They offer a long list of things, from dry cleaning to currency exchange.
Accessibility, Access, and Getting Around:
See the "Accessibility" section above. You'll navigate Matera on foot (mostly).
Room Details – The Core of the Experience:
- Air conditioning: YES. Thank the heavens.
- Free Wi-Fi: Essential.
- That Bed: Extra-long bed. Bliss.
- The little touches: Slippers, bathrobes, and complimentary tea.
- The View: Did I mention the view? Seriously.
Final Verdict
Bizantini Apartment (La Casa dei Nonni) is a winner. It’s not perfect, but that's its strength. You're not getting a cookie-cutter hotel experience; you're getting a unique, atmospheric, and genuinely Matera-esque stay. Book it. Embrace the imperfections. And for the love of all that is holy, spend some time on that terrace.
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A Compelling Offer: Your Dream Stay at Bizantini Apartment (La Casa dei Nonni) - Book It Now!
Tired of the Tourist Traps? Craving Authentic Matera?
Picture this… You, bathed in the golden glow of a Matera sunset, clinking glasses of local wine on your private terrace. Below, the ancient city breathes, a living tapestry of history and mystery. Welcome to Bizantini Apartment (La Casa dei Nonni), your exclusive gateway to Matera's soul.
Why Choose Bizantini Apartment?
- Unforgettable Location: Nestled within the Sassi, you'll be steps from Matera's hidden gems.
- Breathtaking Views: Wake up to panoramic vistas that will steal your heart.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Feel the magic of Matera in a beautifully appointed apartment that blends modern comfort with ancient charm.
- Connectivity: Free and fast Wi-Fi to share your amazing experience.
- A Haven of Calm: Escape the crowds and unwind in your private sanctuary.
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Bizantini Apartment - La Casa dei nonni Matera: A Week of Wobbly Knees and Wonderful Wonders (and Possibly a Little Bit of Wine Overload)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly Instagrammable travel itinerary. This is the real deal, a slightly frazzled, utterly thrilled, and possibly wine-stained account of my Matera adventure, based out of the charming, slightly creaky (in the best way) Bizantini Apartment - La Casa dei nonni.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My GOD, I'm Actually Here" Moment
- Morning (ish): Landed at Bari Airport. Hired a car. Which, let me tell you, was an adventure in itself. "Compact" apparently translates to "Fits in a shoebox" in Italian car-rental land. Navigating the winding roads of Puglia? Stressful, but also gorgeous with the olive groves and the shimmering sea in the background. Already feeling the heat, in more ways than one.
- Afternoon: Arrived in Matera! The GPS, bless its pointy little head, led me to a tiny, cobblestone street and I was worried I would have to get out of my car and start pushing it. Pulled up in front of Bizantini Apartment - La Casa dei nonni Matera. And wow. Just WOW. The Sassi… they are genuinely breathtaking. No filter required. Checked in with a delightfully eccentric woman named Sofia, who spoke such rapid-fire Italian I understood about 30% of what she said. The apartment? Rustic charm personified. Thick stone walls, a tiny balcony overlooking a cobbled street, and a vague scent of grandma's cooking (in a good way).
- Evening: Wandered the Sassi. Lost already. And loving it. Found a trattoria promising "authentic" Materan cuisine. Ordered the cavatelli (apparently, it's a Matera staple) and a carafe of local red wine. Let's just say, the wine was a revelation. And the pasta? Heaven. Started getting a bit lost, I’d never seen anything like this place and it was so easy to get disoriented. Ended up back at our apartment for a night cap! Stumbling, laughing, and marveling at the sheer beauty of the place.
Day 2: The Cave Dwelling Chronicles and the Case of the Missing Bread
- Morning: Woke up with a slight wine headache (again, worth it). Decided to be a responsible tourist and take a guided tour of the Sassi. Learned about the history, the cave dwellings (absolutely mind-blowing, imagine living in a cave!), and the resilience of the people who call this place home. The guide, a local with a handlebar mustache that could rival a walrus, was fantastic. Filled with stories, and passion, even though he spoke really, really fast.
- Afternoon: Tried (and failed) to buy bread from the forno (bakery) near the apartment. My Italian is… well, let's call it "enthusiastic." Ended up communicating with a lot of pointing and miming. Still, no bread for me. Went back to the apartment and ate the hard bread left from the market the day before. That counts, right?
- Evening: Found a restaurant with a terrace and a view that made my jaw drop. Ordered the pane cotto (bread soup). It was surprisingly delicious despite the bread situation. Sat there, watching the sunset paint the Sassi in hues of orange and purple. Just… wow. Feeling a deep sense of peace here. And, potentially, another carafe of wine.
Day 3: Church Hopping and the Art of the Aperitivo
- Morning: Explored the numerous churches. So many churches! The architecture, the history, the sense of reverence… it's all incredibly moving. Found one with a secret crypt! I'm a sucker for secret things and dark, dusty places and the crypt felt like something out of an Indiana Jones movie… but with more religious artifacts and fewer snakes.
- Afternoon: The Aperitivo! Matera knows how to do it right. Ordered an Aperol Spritz (because, when in Italy…) and a plate of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cured meats. Sat, people-watching, soaking up the atmosphere. The Spritz was perfect, the food was delicious, and the sun was setting. Life doesn't get much better than this.
- Evening: Wandered around the old centre. Found a little artisan shop. Picked up some local ceramics and I really liked the seller, she invited me to see her workshop. So many amazing things and I bought a few! Started feeling a bit wistful, realizing my time here is finite.
Day 4: Deep Dive into the Sassi and a Cooking Class Catastrophe (Almost!)
- Morning: Decided to delve deeper into the Sassi. Got COMPLETELY lost (again). Walked through narrow alleyways, marveling at the ingenuity of the cave dwellings. Found a tiny art gallery showcasing local artists. Bought a painting that I'm pretty sure I'll never be able to fit in my suitcase. No regrets!
- Afternoon: COOKING CLASS! I’d watched some online videos, and thought I knew enough of the Matera cuisine to cook a thing or two. Got to a local restaurant where it looked like the host could barely speak English. I felt incredibly prepared and eager to dive in. Turns out, I’m terrible at making pasta. Really, really terrible. Managed to salvage the experience (kinda) with a lot of humour and the occasional peek at the instructor. The meal was actually… edible. And the wine made everything delicious.
- Evening: Back at the apartment. Relaxing. The apartment has the best balcony view, I think I could spend the whole evening there. Started writing in my journal, feeling grateful for this experience. Maybe a little bit tipsy. No regrets.
Day 5: The Rock Church Romp and a Picnic with a View
- Morning: Explored the “Rock Churches.” More churches, but these were carved into the limestone cliffs! Crazy, beautiful, and utterly unique. The frescoes were stunning, even if some were a little faded. Took tons of photos, feeling like I was exploring something truly special.
- Afternoon: Packed a picnic of local cheeses, bread (finally, success!), and olives. Found a secluded spot overlooking the Sassi. The view? Unbelievable. Sitting there, eating, and just breathing in the beauty of the place. The picnic was simple, but absolutely perfect.
- Evening: Found a Jazz Club on the other side of the town. Live Jazz music. Sipped wine. Felt like I really lived.
Day 6: Matera by Night: A Magical Mystery Tour
- Morning: More wandering. More amazing views. More coffee. This place is just… addictive.
- Afternoon: Day Trip. Took a trip to a nearby village!
- Evening: Matera at night is something else. The Sassi transform into a magical wonderland, illuminated by soft lights. Found a restaurant tucked away in a cave. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere was intimate, and the wine flowed freely. The night unfolded in a haze of deliciousness and laughter.
Day 7: Farewell, Matera… For Now.
- Morning: Packing. Sigh. Said goodbye to Sofia and the apartment. Feeling incredibly sad to leave. But also incredibly grateful for the experience.
- Afternoon: Flight home. Already planning my return. This place gets under your skin.
- Evening: Back home, unpacking, and reliving the memories. Already dreaming of Matera, the Sassi, the wine, and the simple, beautiful life I experienced there. Definitely buying more Italian wine.
Final Thoughts:
Matera is not a place; it’s an experience. It's a place of beauty, history, and a whole lot of heart. It's a place where you can get lost, both literally and figuratively, and discover something truly special. It's a place I will never forget. Go. Go now. Just go. And bring me back a bottle of that wine.
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1. Is this place *really* as amazing as the photos? Seriously, like, for real?
Okay, let's be honest. Photos are *liars*, aren't they? They're meticulously curated, filtered to within an inch of their life... and the truth is, Bizantini Apartment? Yeah, it's pretty damn magical. But... (and this is important) don't expect perfection. It's not a sterile hotel room. It's a *home*. A grandma's house, basically. Think cozy, not clinically clean. I remember the first time I walked in, jaw on the floor. The light, the stone, the view... it was breathtaking. But then I tripped over a rogue rug. You know, the kind grandma uses to cover imperfections in the floor? That's part of the charm! You'll have that "wow" moment, and then you'll be frantically looking around for the wifi password (more on *that* later).
2. What's the deal with the location? Is it easy to get around? Matera seems... hilly.
Hilly is an understatement. It's like Matera was built by a particularly sadistic architect with a penchant for stairs. BUT (and it's a HUGE but), the location of Bizantini is *fantastic*. You're right in the heart of Sassi, the historic cave dwellings. Think ancient streets, winding alleys, and the constant sound of your own slightly out-of-breath panting as you ascend yet another goddamn staircase. The apartment is close to everything - cafes, restaurants, those Instagrammable viewpoints. But… and this is a pro tip: pack comfortable shoes. Seriously. I wore my cute Italian leather sandals for the first day, and by the end of it, my feet were screaming for mercy. Don't be a fool.
3. Is the apartment actually *in* a cave? Like, a real-deal, ancient cave?
Yep. You’re sleeping in a cave. A *gorgeous* cave, mind you, lovingly renovated BUT still… subterranean. That means it's naturally cool, which is AMAZING in the summer. And it means, sometimes, you'll get a little dampness. A whisper of it. Think a subtle, earthy fragrance, like… well, a cave. Embrace it! It's part of the experience. I remember the first night I was there. It was pitch black, the only sound was the gentle drip of water somewhere (probably the pipes). A little spooky? Yeah. Magical? Absolutely.
4. What about the wifi? Is it reliable? Because, you know… Instagram waits for no one.
Okay, the wifi. Let’s talk about the wifi. It's… *temperamental*. It’s like a capricious Italian relative. Sometimes it's there, beaming glorious internet goodness. Other times… it's sulking in a corner, refusing to connect. I swear I spent a good hour one morning chasing a signal. Eventually I gave up and just stared at the view. It was, admittedly, a pretty good trade-off. Don't make wifi your *only* priority. But yes, bring a backup plan - maybe a data roaming package on your phone.
5. Is there a kitchen? Can I cook? I love pasta!
Yes, there's a kitchen! And yes, you can absolutely cook. It's not a chef's paradise, mind you. More like a charmingly old-school setup. Basic, functional, and perfect for whipping up a simple pasta dish with ingredients you'll *surely* find at the local market (and there *are* some amazing markets – trust me, go find them!). I remember one night, I managed to make a carbonara so good, I almost wept. (Okay, I *did* weep a little. The wine, you know?)
6. Any insider tips for Matera itself? Must-sees? Must-eats? What about, like, avoiding tourists? PLEASE?
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to drop some knowledge. Matera is *incredible*. Forget the Duomo (it’s beautiful, sure, but everyone goes there). Go to the *Sassi di Matera*. Get lost. Wander. Explore. Find a tiny, hidden bar where the locals hang out. The people are so friendly. Eat at *Osteria Al Casereccio*. Seriously, do it. Their food is divine, and it feels authentically Materan. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, go to the *Chiesa di San Nicola dei Greci*. It's gorgeous and not as crowded as the other churches. And for sunset… find a rooftop. Any rooftop. You’ll thank me later.
7. What's the best part about staying at Bizantini Apartment? Seriously, what was the highlight?
Okay, this is personal. But the best part? The feeling of *being* there. Really *being* in Matera. Waking up in a cave, stepping out onto the ancient streets, feeling the history seep into your very bones. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. For me, the highlight? The *rooftop terrace*. Oh. My. God. The view. The sunsets. The feeling of peace. I remember one evening, I sat out there with a bottle of local wine, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the stone houses in hues of gold and orange. The city was quiet then. The only sound was the gentle murmur of the wind. It was… utterly perfect. And that feeling, that *being*, is something you can't get from a sterile hotel room. It’s pure magic. And, yes, I cried that night, too. But for completely different reasons.
8. Any downsides? What should I be prepared for?
Okay, let's get real. Yes, there are downsides. The wifi can be a pain. The stairs can be… treacherous after a few glasses of wine. As mentioned, it is a cave, so you might encounter the occasional tiny bug. It's not for those who are *super* fussy or need a spotless, modern environment. But honestly, the downsides are SO worth it. Think of it as part of the adventure. Plus, the host is great and always available, she will help you with everything, just ask. The only true con? Having to leave. That's the real tragedy.
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