Troodos Observatory

Perched at 1,250 metres in the Troodos mountains near Agridia, Cyprus, Troodos Observatory is home to the largest telescope on the island and one of the clearest night skies in the Eastern Mediterranean.

About Troodos Observatory

Troodos Observatory was built as a modern, spaceship-shaped facility housing both a 20-inch (50cm) night telescope and a dedicated solar telescope for safe daytime observing. Its 5.6-metre dome rotates a full 360 degrees, giving visitors and researchers an unobstructed view of the sky above the Troodos range.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's main instrument, a 20-inch reflector, is the largest telescope in Cyprus, complemented by a solar telescope used for guided daytime sessions on sunspots and solar activity. The site was chosen specifically for its low humidity, calm air and near-total absence of light pollution.

Location & getting there

Troodos Observatory sits high in the Troodos mountains, near the villages of Agros, Chandria and Kyperounta, at an altitude of 1,250 metres. This elevation, combined with over 200 cloudless nights a year, makes it one of the most reliable stargazing spots in Cyprus.

Visiting Troodos Observatory

The observatory is a public attraction with an admission fee; it's best to check current opening hours and book ahead via the official website or by phone before travelling up the mountain.

See your named star from here

Because Troodos Observatory's telescopes can be pointed at any set of coordinates, staff here can help you locate the exact right ascension and declination of a star you've named through Star Register. Name a star or browse the full catalogue to find one to dedicate.