Montedoro Astronomical Observatory

In the Sicilian hinterland, the heart of the island, at an altitude of 532 meters above sea level, an eye towards space is devoted toastronomical observation. Everyone can visit the Montedoro Astronomical Observatory and the Montedoro Planetarium, which are located on top of the Mount Octavius, not far from the town of Montedoro.

Located on the top of a hill facing another slightly lower one in the western area of ​​the province of Caltanissetta, the Observatory was designed at the end of the last century on commission from the Province of Caltanissetta and the Municipality of Montedoro.

The Observatory and the Planetarium are two scientific structures that further enhance the natural beauty of the Urban Park, which extends into the valley between the two mountains. The area is also of particular interest from a historical and archaeological point of view, in fact, not far away, visitors can also find the Caves of Monte Ottavio, located on the eastern slope of Mt.

Architecture of the Montedoro Astronomical Observatory

The Montedoro Astronomical Observatory is an example of organic architecture, as it seems to blend perfectly with the hill from which it stands. Appearing in the distance like a small "point" protruding from the ground, the structure respects the surrounding natural environment, with which it blends also thanks to its colors in shades of black and white, which almost blend in between the earth and the vegetation of the mountain. The dome is instead equipped with a copper cover, which always recalls the colors of the earth.

The corridor with staircase that leads from the pavement to the entrance of the building is completely covered in light marble, as is the rest of the structure. Inside there is a dormitory, two bathrooms and a meeting room for professionals, while all visitors can reach the control tower and the exhibition hall, where observation and teaching take place.

The total area of ​​the building is approximately 250 mXNUMX.

What to do around the Montedoro Astronomical Observatory and the Montedoro Planetarium

All visitors to the Observatory and Planetarium have access to observation tower. Particular attention in the design of the building itself was given to the absence of architectural barriers, making the building accessible to all.

From the Observatory you can admire the universe thanks to the astronomical telescope, a fascinating show for experts and non-experts and, of course, also for children.
Inside the dome, on the other hand, there is the large Planetarium dedicated to Margherita Hack, which can accommodate up to 50 visitors at the same time, to show them the most incredible phenomena in the universe, while they are comfortably lying on large armchairs.
The observation is accompanied, for those who wish, by interesting explanations that help to better understand the mysterious phenomena of the universe.

In the surroundings of Montedoro, however, there are also numerous others cultural sites open to tourists, as well as the natural and architectural beauties, in addition to the excellent refreshment points: the House Museum, Zolfara Museum, Caves of Monte Ottavio these are just some of the places that can be easily reached from Montedoro.

The House Museum bears witness to the living conditions of the island's workers through the exhibition of work tools and objects of use in now forgotten trades, the Zolfara Museum collects documents and objects that tell the story of sulfur mines, while the Grotte del Monte Ottavio are natural caves and Greek tombs open on the slopes of the mountain.

Organizing a holiday in Montedoro can be the perfect opportunity for a cultural stay, but at the same time for relaxation: the splendid Sicilian sea is just under 50 km from Montedoro, and the coast also offers, in addition to the beauty of the sea, many interesting places. TO Porto Empedocle for example, the ancient Marina of Girgenti, you will find churches, palaces, theaters and monuments to visit if you don't want to spend the whole day on the beach.

How to get to the Montedoro Astronomical Observatory

The Montedoro Astronomical Observatory and Montedoro Planetarium is located in the Sicilian hinterland, in province of Caltanissetta, over 500 meters high on Mount Ottavio. To reach the observatory from any city in Sicily you can travel by train or by car.
If you choose the train, you can buy a ticket to Caltanissetta Centrale, about 22 km from the town: once you arrive at the station, buses or shuttles are available to reach Montedoro. An alternative station, always served by public or private transport, is that of Agrigento Centrale about 26 km away.

By car, from Palermo or Catania, take the motorway (A19) and exit at Caltanissetta, continuing on the SS640 up to Agrigento where once you reach Serradifalco you will have to take the SS112 up to Montedoro.
Once you arrive in the village, to reach the Observatory you will have to head towards the North East, less than 2 km from the centre, in the direction of Monte Ottavio. The Park is crossed by a road that will lead you to the Observatory/Planetarium.