Lucca observatory

In the Tuscan city of Lucca, Italy, the Specola di Lucca stands as a Neoclassic reminder of a short-lived but notable chapter in observational astronomy, once directed by the prolific comet hunter Jean-Louis Pons.

About Lucca observatory

The Specola di Lucca is a historical astronomical observatory built in the Neoclassic style, commissioned in 1819 by Duchess Maria Luisa di Borbone and designed by architect Lorenzo Nottolini. It was directed by the French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons, famed in his era for discovering more comets than any other observer.

History

The observatory project was cut short: it ceased in 1824 following the Duchess's death, and Pons himself moved on to Florence in 1825. The building later changed uses entirely, serving at different times as a cafe and then a private residence after the 1980s; it is currently undergoing refurbishment. A separate site, the Astronomical Observatory of Capannori on nearby Mount Gallonzora, is a different institution in the same region.

Location & getting there

The observatory building stands in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy, within easy reach of the city's historic centre. See the map on this page for directions.

Visiting Lucca observatory

As the building is under refurbishment and now privately held, it is best to check locally or with Lucca's tourism offices before planning a visit, rather than expecting regular public access.

See your named star from here

Even where a historic building like this one is no longer an active observing site, the idea behind it endures: a telescope pointed at the right coordinates can find any star. If you've named a star with Star Register, its position is listed in our catalogue for exactly that purpose.