"Terrazza delle Stelle" observatory

Terrazza delle Stelle, the "Terrace of the Stars," is an astronomical observatory in the Viote meadows of Monte Bondone, a mountain overlooking the city of Trento in northern Italy.

About Terrazza delle Stelle

The observatory is a satellite site of MUSE, the Museum of Science in Trento, chosen for its position on Monte Bondone, well away from the light pollution of the valley below. In 2023 it was recognised by UNESCO as part of its worldwide list of "Sky Connected Sites," acknowledging the quality and accessibility of its night sky.

Telescopes & research

Its main instrument is an 80-centimetre computer-controlled reflecting telescope, supplemented by six other instruments covering different kinds of observation, including solar viewing with filtered telescopes during the day.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits in the Viote basin on Monte Bondone, a short walk of about five minutes from the main Viote parking area, roughly an hour's drive from Trento. Its elevated, forested setting away from city lights is what makes it well suited to stargazing.

Visiting Terrazza delle Stelle

The Terrace is open for scheduled activities and by reservation throughout the year, though it generally closes from around 1 December to 1 March depending on snow conditions. Access to the terrace itself is free, while guided activities carry a small fee. Bookings and information are handled through MUSE, and alongside astronomy sessions the site also hosts concerts, theatre and other evening events under the stars.

See your named star from here

With a serious 80cm telescope and dark mountain skies, Terrazza delle Stelle is exactly the kind of place where a named star can be tracked down and observed. If you've dedicated a star through Star Register, its coordinates are listed in the star catalogue for you to share with the observatory's staff ahead of a visit.