Ďáblice Observatory

Ďáblice Observatory crowns Ládví Hill in Prague's northern Ďáblice district, its twin white domes visible for miles across the Czech capital. Built by volunteer astronomers in the 1950s, it is one of only two public observatories in Prague, working alongside Štefánik's Observatory on Petřín Hill to bring the night sky to city residents.

About Ďáblice Observatory

Today the observatory combines serious amateur astronomy with public outreach, hosting stargazing evenings, lectures and visits from school groups and curious Praguers alike. It is run under the Planetum Prague umbrella, alongside the city's planetarium and Štefánik's Observatory.

History

The observatory was built between 1954 and 1956 as an "Akce Z" community construction project carried out by members of the Czechoslovak Astronomy Society. Architect Miloslav Wimmer designed the building and astronomer Hubert Slouka guided the project, and its two 5-metre-diameter domes were fabricated separately before being fitted onto the finished structure. Ďáblice Observatory opened for operation on 3 November 1956 and has been in continuous use ever since.

Location & getting there

Ďáblice Observatory stands at around 325 metres above sea level on Ládví Hill in Prague, in the Czech Republic. The elevated, semi-wooded site was chosen for its relatively open horizon over the surrounding city, making it a practical spot for both public sessions and quieter amateur work.

Visiting Ďáblice Observatory

The observatory welcomes the public for evening observing sessions and events, though the building is not wheelchair accessible. Opening times and programme details change with the seasons, so it is worth checking the official website or calling ahead before you travel.

See your named star from here

Every star named through Star Register comes with precise coordinates, and staff at an observatory like Ďáblice can point a telescope at exactly that patch of sky. If you've named a star for someone, an evening under Ďáblice's domes is a memorable way to actually see it - browse the full star catalogue to find yours.