Rožňava observatory

Rožňava Observatory (Hvezdáreň Rožňava) is a public astronomy centre on the southern slope of Kalvária hill in Rožňava, Slovakia, built up by local enthusiasts over more than half a century.

About Rožňava Observatory

Astronomy activity in Rožňava dates back to 1951, when local enthusiasts began studying the sky together. Construction of the site's first telescope, a 15 cm Newtonian reflector, began in 1956, and an astronomy club was formally established in 1961. The Town National Committee purchased the property in 1966 and handed it over to the astronomy club on 15 May that year.

History

The observatory's mission has stayed consistently public-facing: popularising astronomy and the natural sciences through daytime and night-time sky observations and activities for children, young people, and adults. More recently, the site added a Mission Control Center for simulated space missions in its main building, with its analog station formally opened on 17 October 2025.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located on Lesná Street in Rožňava, Slovakia, above a polyclinic on the southern slope of Kalvária hill in the northern part of the town.

Visiting Rožňava Observatory

The observatory welcomes the public for sky-watching and educational sessions. Contact it directly at +421 918 244 901 or via its website for current opening times and to book a visit.

See your named star from here

A public observatory built by amateur enthusiasts for over 70 years is exactly the kind of place to bring the coordinates of a star you've named. Name a star of your own, or look one up in the star catalogue before your visit.