Dedicated to Barnard’s Star, the second closest star to the Sun, the Barnard Observatory welcomes visitors to the hills of Neviano degli Arduini, just a few kilometres from Parma.

Here, you can participate in evening observations of the celestial vault or point the telescope at the Sun to uncover all its secrets.

Nestled in the lowlands of the Reggio area, the Lazzaro Spallanzani Astronomical Observatory is situated on a panoramic 3,000 sqm site, making it ideal for both amateur observation and astronomical education.

Founded in 1972, the Public Astronomical Observatory “Padre Angelo Secchi” is situated on a 120-square-meter site at the edge of Castelnovo di Sotto (RE).

It includes a conference room, a darkroom, and a dome fitted with amateur astronomical equipment. Managed by the Reggio Emilia Astronomy Association (A.R.A.), the observatory offers educational programs and outreach activities for the public and schools, and also conducts scientific research in solar physics and meteorology.

A perfect spot for astronomical observation, the Fonti di Santa Lucia di Cervarezza Terme observatory is situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters in the Reggio Emilia Apennines. The area boasts clean air, no light pollution, and numerous dark nights throughout the year.

The observatory attracts astronomy enthusiasts of all ages and students, as well as many hikers who traverse the surrounding Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park.

The ‘Pierino Zambonini’ astronomical observatory watches over the sky from its perch high in the Reggio Emilia Apennines, at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level. To reach it, head to the foot of Mount Cusna in Febbio.

The facility is dedicated to education and research, and it also organizes evenings for observing and photographing celestial objects, especially in the summer.

This small municipal observatory in the Modena countryside, established between 1977 and 1978 thanks to the volunteers and members of Associazione Montanari, is located at just 18 meters above sea level. It organizes numerous educational and scientific activities, particularly on Fridays when it is open to everyone

This area is entirely dedicated to astronomy, featuring a planetarium and a museum that houses Italy’s most important meteorite collection, with over 400 samples!

The Museo del Cielo e Della Terra in San Giovanni in Persiceto offers the opportunity to experience real sky observation shows, thanks to the nearby Giorgio Albetti Astronomical Observatory.

Located at an altitude of 651 meters in Ca’ Antinori, between Medelana and Monte Pastore, the “Felsina” astronomical observatory is situated in a tranquil area within the forests of the central Apennines near Bologna.

Managed by the Bologna Amateur Astronomers Association, it provides opportunities for both scientific and amateur visual and photographic observations.

Located 37 km from Bologna, at an altitude of 800 meters in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the Astronomical Station of Loiano is the perfect place for stargazing.

With two domes and a large telescope (its 150 cm aperture makes it the second largest telescope in Italy after the one on Cima Ekar in Asiago), it beckons both the curious and enthusiasts to explore the infinite cosmos.

Located strategically in the hills of Imola, the Alfio Betti Astronomical Observatory sits approximately 250 meters above sea level.

Managed by the Imola Astrophiliac Association, the facility is dedicated to promoting science through events that explore the night sky, catering to both locals and schoolchildren. Additionally, the observatory features an exhibition room showcasing various sundials.

Located in the Vallette di Ostellato nature oasis, within the Po Delta Park, the Paolo Natali’ social astronomical observatory is operated by the Gruppo Astrofili Columbia.

Shielded from light pollution, visitors can observe stars, planets, the moon, and other celestial objects like star clusters and nebulae during evening observation sessions.

For those who enjoy gazing upwards and losing themselves in the starry sky, the P. Burgatti’ astronomical observatory in Cento offers themed and educational evenings organized by the Centesi Astrophiles Association.

These events are free of charge and take place every first and last Friday of the month, as well as on special evenings.

The location, naturally, has not been chosen randomly: situated at an altitude of 400 meters, the Astronomical Observatory of Montemaggiore occupies an advantageous position for celestial observations, far from mist, fog, and light pollution.

Located just 7 kilometers from Predappio Alta, its facility with a retractable roof enables convenient observation of the night sky from the cozy interior of the observatory.

Managed by the Associazione Ravennate Astrofili Rheyta, the Don Dino Molesi Observatory in Ravenna was founded in the 1990s and has been conducting international-level research ever since.

It has notably discovered two extragalactic supernovae using its telescopes. Additionally, the observatory organizes observation nights for those interested in exploring the field of astronomy.

The telescope that scans the skies of Faenza is named Urania Lamonia and is operated by the Gruppo Astrofili Faentino.

It was here that in 2014 a new supernova star was discovered, later named ‘sn2014bg’. The observatory is open to the public, offering free observations every second Thursday of the month using both the naked eye and binoculars and telescopes.

In the municipality of Brisighella, at 765 meters above sea level, the Monteromano Astronomical Observatory is the perfect place for stargazing, far from the light pollution of the Romagna countryside.

The large white dome, 5 meters in diameter, provides a panoramic view and an amazing perspective of the entire celestial vault.

Built in 1977 by repurposing an old ruin of the Church of Rimini, the ‘Niccolò Copernico’ Astronomical Observatory has been studying the sky and its stars for more than 40 years.

In order to participate in its activities, you must be a member of the ‘Gruppo Astrofili N. Copernico’ (N. Copernico Astronomy Group). The membership allows you to participate in various events such as courses, sky observations and public lectures on specific astronomical phenomena.