Ca del Monte observatory

Ca del Monte Observatory, officially the Planetario e Osservatorio Astronomico Cà del Monte "G. Giacomotti," sits in Cecima, in the Province of Pavia, Lombardy, Italy.

About Ca del Monte Observatory

The complex combines a planetarium with observing domes on a hillside site chosen for its dark skies and 180-degree horizon view, largely free of light pollution. It is owned by the Oltrepò Pavese Mountain Community, with scientific and educational management handled by the Astrofili Tethys astronomy association, in co-management with the Teti social cooperative.

History

The project was first promoted by Astrofili Tethys in 1997 and the observatory was formally inaugurated on 20 September 2008, giving the Oltrepò Pavese area a dedicated centre for astronomical teaching and public outreach.

Telescopes & research

The site's central dome seats 36 people and uses a Digistar Lite digital projection system for planetarium shows, complemented by two further lateral observing domes for telescope use. An outdoor amphitheatre with 200 seats extends the facility's capacity for public events and open-air sky sessions.

Location & getting there

Ca del Monte is located near Cecima, in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese area of Lombardy, southern Pavia province. Its elevated, rural setting is deliberately chosen to minimise light pollution and give visitors an unobstructed 180-degree view of the sky.

Visiting Ca del Monte Observatory

The observatory is built for public education, with planetarium shows, dome observing sessions, and amphitheatre events forming part of its regular programme. Check the official website for current opening times and event schedules before visiting.

See your named star from here

With both a planetarium and working telescope domes, Ca del Monte is a natural place to track down a specific star. If you've named a star through Star Register, bring its coordinates along on a visit, or explore the star catalogue to find one to dedicate.