Astronomy Italy

Observatory inaugurated in 1872, known to house the largest telescope in Italy. The town of Arcetri was not chosen at random because, in addition to offering excellent viewing conditions, it is located near the final resting place of Galileo. Since 2002, it has been part of the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF), forming a public scientific research centre in which around 100 people work, including astronomers and students from all over the world.

Perched on a promontory, at an altitude of 1,067 m, is the Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium of Anzi... Inaugurated in 2008, it has quickly become a popular educational and tourist destination, for its activities dedicated to science and technology. The planetarium has a 12-metre diameter dome capable of projecting a faithful image of the celestial vault visible to the naked eye. It can also show the starry sky under different conditions.

Born in Catania on 24 November 1924, Salvatore Furia moved to Varese on¹ October 1940. Fascinated by nature, he never ceases to promote this exceptional natural site and its quality sky (he is notably at the origin of a law protecting the night sky from light pollution in March 2000) and he founded the observatory in 1956 and develops it with passion. And it is a real success! Daytime visits are appreciated (even more so in the evenings), which allow visitors to enjoy a splendid view of the region.