If I had to make a top 10 of all the places I’ve stayed when being abroad, La Casa di Ele would be one the the top on the list. This place has absolutely everything you can hope when visiting a city: First of all, its location is perfect. You’re within a seven minute walk to the central train station and just in the heart of the city, seconds away from the ancient and wonderful Sassi as well as the main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Second of all, Raffaele and his family, who run the place, are the perfect hosts. He made everything so simple from the moment we arrived! He gave us lots of tips and recommendations (places to visit, local restaurants to have a typical meal far from the usual touristic places…), and always with a smile on his face! A especial mention has to be made to the wonderful breakfast they prepare for their guests. They have fresh riccotta every morning, which is delicious, and Raffaele’s mother bakes an incredibly tasty lemom cake, which is out of this place! Last, but not least, the room in which we stayed was beautifully comfortable and with a balcony with a lovely view over Sassi Barisano, one of the two main neighbourhoods that form the old city. We couldn’t have asked for more. So, if you go to Matera in the near future, La Casa di Ele is the perfect choice for having a wonderful stay!