Alt emporda Observatory

Alt emporda Observatory sits in Albanyà, in the Alt Empordà comarca of Girona, Catalonia, inside Spain's first internationally certified dark sky park.

About Alt emporda Observatory

The observatory is a fully automated facility built around a 4-metre dome housing the largest telescope in Girona province. It combines professional-grade automation with a public-facing programme of astronomy education.

Telescopes & research

Its automated dome and instrumentation support both scientific observation and public astronomy activities, including "astronomical baptism" sessions that introduce visitors to night-sky observing.

Location & getting there

The site lies within the Alta Garrotxa Space of Natural Interest, in the Pyrenees near the French border — remote, protected terrain that helped it become the first International Dark-Sky Association–certified dark sky park in Spain, awarded in June 2017.

Visiting Alt emporda Observatory

The observatory runs public nights and astronomy activities, including its signature astronomical baptisms. Check current schedules and booking details with local Alt Empordà tourism services before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

Because the sky above this dark sky park is unusually clear, it's an especially good place to look for a star you've named. Bring your certificate's coordinates, and browse the star catalogue to see other named stars in the region.