Rome Observatory

The Astronomical Observatory of Rome, known in Italian as the Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, sits at Monte Porzio Catone near the Italian capital, 401 metres above sea level.

About Rome Observatory

Rome Observatory is one of twelve astronomical observatories in Italy and, since 2002, has been part of the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF), the country's national astrophysics institute.

History

The observatory was founded in 1938 at its Monte Porzio Catone site, and has continued operating as a research institution through its integration into INAF at the start of this century.

Location & getting there

The observatory stands at an elevation of 401 metres at Monte Porzio Catone, in the hills southeast of Rome, Italy, a setting that lifts it above some of the light and haze of the city below.

Visiting Rome Observatory

Rome Observatory can be contacted directly by phone for visiting information, and further details are published on its official website. As with most research institutes, checking ahead for open days or guided tours is recommended before travelling.

See your named star from here

Rome Observatory has spent decades studying the sky above Monte Porzio Catone, the same sky where your named star can be found. Name a star and locate its coordinates in our catalogue.