You'll never be short of something to do in Italy but you might be struggling to find something a little more unique, a little different to all the more tourist-orientated or obvious choices. Well, look no further.
We've gathered a small selection of fantastic observatories in Italy for you to choose from. Italy actually has quite a large amount of observatories which are open to the public and abuzz with events and educational programmes – really, what else would you expect of Galileo's homeland?
We've gathered a small selection of fantastic observatories in Italy for you to choose from. Italy actually has quite a large amount of observatories which are open to the public and abuzz with events and educational programmes – really, what else would you expect of Galileo's homeland?
Find a luxury villa in Italy and there's bound to be one nearby.
The Observatory of Padua in the Veneto region is particularly fascinating due, not only to its facilities, but also to its older origins.
Though the observatory was only founded in 1942, the tradition of astronomical research and study in the area goes all the way back to the 18th century. The original structure existed within the old quarter of Padua's 13th century castle.
The Asiago plateau was chosen as the site for the new building and it was kitted out with a large telescope named after Galileo, who had worked in the city.
At the time, it was the largest in the world.
This facility is one of the National Institute of Astrophysics' main branches and also opens its doors to the public, giving visitors experiences of the telescopes, multimedia room and the newer major telescope, Copernicus, on Mt. Ekar. It's the perfect place to study and gaze at the stars.
The Observatory of Padua in the Veneto region is particularly fascinating due, not only to its facilities, but also to its older origins.
Though the observatory was only founded in 1942, the tradition of astronomical research and study in the area goes all the way back to the 18th century. The original structure existed within the old quarter of Padua's 13th century castle.
The Asiago plateau was chosen as the site for the new building and it was kitted out with a large telescope named after Galileo, who had worked in the city.
At the time, it was the largest in the world.
This facility is one of the National Institute of Astrophysics' main branches and also opens its doors to the public, giving visitors experiences of the telescopes, multimedia room and the newer major telescope, Copernicus, on Mt. Ekar. It's the perfect place to study and gaze at the stars.
Lombardy also has her share of observatories. Of these, the most famous is probably the Brera Astronomical Observatory, known worldwide and thought to be the oldest scientific institution in Milan. It has two locations, one in Brera (established 1762) and a second in Merate.
The Brera branch features a historical archive, two large libraries and three domes which open during day and night slots to the public for observation. Merate features two historic domes, a multimedia room and a library, all open to the public.
The Astronomical Observatory of Bologna in Emilia Romagna includes a planetarium, museum with a collection of meteorites and an observatory.
The public can gather here to observe various astronomical events. The observation of sunspots is noted as especially stunning and possible due to the implementation of a heliostat.
There might be lots to see and do in Italy but maybe it might be nice to take a moment to just look up at the stars the next time you visit.
The Brera branch features a historical archive, two large libraries and three domes which open during day and night slots to the public for observation. Merate features two historic domes, a multimedia room and a library, all open to the public.
The Astronomical Observatory of Bologna in Emilia Romagna includes a planetarium, museum with a collection of meteorites and an observatory.
The public can gather here to observe various astronomical events. The observation of sunspots is noted as especially stunning and possible due to the implementation of a heliostat.
There might be lots to see and do in Italy but maybe it might be nice to take a moment to just look up at the stars the next time you visit.
Photo credits
picture 1: Sergio Dalle Ave & Roberto Ragazzoni / CC BY 4.0
picture 1: Sergio Dalle Ave & Roberto Ragazzoni / CC BY 4.0
