Osservatorio Polifunzionale del Chianti
Image: Wikimedia Commons
In the Chianti hills of Tuscany, about half an hour from Florence, the Osservatorio Polifunzionale del Chianti combines astronomy, earth science, and one of Italy's most accessible stargazing experiences.
About Osservatorio Polifunzionale del Chianti
The observatory sits at 450 metres elevation in the municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle, owned by the municipality and managed by the University of Florence's Department of Physics and Astronomy, together with the Department of Earth Sciences and LaMMA. The site brings together an astronomical observatory, a geo-seismic observatory, a meteorological observatory, and the Chianti Botanical Park.
History
In November 2016 the observatory inaugurated a multisensory path, using touch and hearing, designed with tenor Andrea Bocelli, the first facility of its kind in Italy to give visually impaired visitors access to astronomy.
Location and getting there
The observatory is in the Chianti region of Tuscany, in the municipality of Barberino Tavarnelle, roughly half an hour's drive from Florence.
Visiting Osservatorio Polifunzionale del Chianti
The observatory holds monthly evening visits open to the public; check its official website for the current schedule and booking details.
See your named star from here
A site built around making astronomy accessible to everyone is a fitting place to see a star of your own. Name a star with Star Register and get its precise coordinates, ready to look up in our catalogue or ask about during a monthly evening visit.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.