Vatican Observatory

Supported by the Holy See and headquartered at Castel Gandolfo, the Vatican Observatory has pursued astronomical research and education for well over a century.

About Vatican Observatory

The Vatican Observatory (Specola Vaticana) is an astronomical research and educational institution supported by the Holy See. It was originally based in the Roman College of Rome before moving to its current headquarters.

History

Founded in 1891, the observatory has a long institutional history spanning more than a century of astronomical work under the Church's patronage.

Telescopes & research

Today the Vatican Observatory operates a telescope at the Mount Graham International Observatory in Arizona, United States, extending its research reach well beyond its Italian headquarters. It continues to conduct astronomical research and public education programmes.

Location & getting there

The observatory's headquarters sit at Castel Gandolfo, Italy, at an elevation of 430 metres, in the hills southeast of Rome, a location traditionally used as the papal summer residence.

Visiting Vatican Observatory

The observatory participates in public education programmes, though visiting arrangements for its Castel Gandolfo site should be confirmed via its official website before travelling, as access may differ from general Vatican tourism routes.

See your named star from here

From Castel Gandolfo's hills to the Arizona mountains where its research telescope sits, the Vatican Observatory's reach makes it a fitting place to think about a named star's precise coordinates. Name a star or browse the star catalogue.