Spanish National Observatory

The Spanish National Observatory, known in Spanish as the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional (OAN), is a historic astronomical institution with facilities in and around Madrid.

About the Spanish National Observatory

Its main building, the Royal Observatory of Madrid, was founded in 1790 and stands in the Parque del Buen Retiro, one of the Spanish capital's best-known parks. The building was designed by the neoclassical architect Juan de Villanueva, who also designed the nearby Prado Museum. Alongside its Madrid site, the observatory also operates the more modern Yebes Observatory, northeast of the city near Guadalajara.

History

The observatory began as a naval astronomy institution before evolving into a centre for pure astronomical research. It has published an annual yearbook, the Anuario del Observatorio Astronómico de Madrid, continuously since the 19th century, and historically operated a Herschel telescope among its instruments.

Location & getting there

The Madrid site sits within the Retiro park, close to the city centre, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring central Madrid on foot.

Visiting the Spanish National Observatory

The observatory is open to visitors for a fee, though it is not wheelchair accessible according to available access information. Check the official website or call ahead for current opening times and ticket details before planning your visit.

See your named star from here

Astronomers at a historic site like this once tracked the sky using instruments not so different in spirit from the coordinates behind every Star Register certificate. Explore our star packages or browse the catalogue to find a star already named.