Osservatorio astronomico Fondation Clément Fillietroz

The Osservatorio astronomico Fondation Clément Fillietroz, also known as OAVdA, is a research and outreach observatory perched at 1,675 metres above the village of Lignan in Nus, in Italy's Aosta Valley.

About Osservatorio astronomico Fondation Clément Fillietroz

Founded in 2003 by the Fondazione Clément Fillietroz, the observatory combines scientific research with public education and a planetarium. Its high-altitude Alpine setting gives it dark, clear skies well suited to both amateur and professional work.

Telescopes & research

The site's main instrument is an 810mm telescope, supported by a 120mm siderostat and seven 250mm telescopes used for teaching and monitoring programmes. Since 2006 the observatory has cooperated with INAF, Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics, on research spanning solar system studies, asteroid characterisation, stars of the Milky Way, galaxies, and the search for exoplanets.

Location & getting there

At 1,675 metres in the Aosta Valley, in Italy's north-western Alps, the observatory benefits from thin mountain air and low light pollution, making it a favoured site for both research and public stargazing evenings.

Visiting Osservatorio astronomico Fondation Clément Fillietroz

The foundation runs public outreach alongside its research work; check the official website for current opening times, guided visits, and planetarium shows before you travel.

See your named star from here

Once you name a star with Star Register, you receive its precise coordinates. With instruments ranging from an 810mm telescope down to smaller teaching scopes, staff here work with exactly this kind of celestial targeting every clear night. Explore the catalogue of named stars or browse more observatories to plan a visit.