Canossa Astronomical Observatory

Address and contacts

Via Roncovetro 40 - 42026 Canossa (RE)
0039 3402404019
info@osservatoriodicanossa.eu
www.osservatoriodicanossa.eu

prices

Adults €10
Children up to 12 years: € 5

Prices are per person and include the assistance of a guide for the telescope and a coffee, tea or analcolic drink. Groups exceeding 8 people are usually not accepted in order to minimize waiting times. Visits upon reservation only. The minimum total price for each visit is € 30.

Visits

The Observatory is available for visits on the occasion of events or upon reservation. Please check out the schedule for the events.

Description

The Canossa Observatory has the biggest telescope of the Reggio Emilia province, and is also the biggest binoscope in Italy. It was built by Arie Otte in the Netherlands in 2016. The binoscope not only gives the advantage to observe with both eyes at the same time, but it will give you an incomparable experience of total immersion, as if you were floating into the space. One disavantage is the fact that the observation takes place from above and, because of the size of the binoscope, you often have to climb a few steps. However, our guide will ensure that it will happen safely.

The moon is spectacular in each telescope, and with our binoscope it feels like you are flying over its surface. The best time to observe it is up to the first quarter as in that period it shows its best side with the mountains and craters shadows. Unfortunately, the moon reflects much light, especially when the plenilune is coming, preventing the observation of other celestial bodies. For this reason, we suggest you to come and visit us when the moon is not too much there.

HOW to arrive

Canossa

You follow the SP513R (Montecchio Emilia-Castelnovo ne' Monti) to the junction "Borzano-Roncovetro" (between km 35 and 36). Then, you have to follow the road signs "Agriturismo Casa Corra" to the Roncovetro village (about 4.5 km). After the arrival at Roncovetro, do not turn right to the Agriturismo, but go straight, keeping right and move to the village. It is the last house on the right, and you will surely find the Observatory's signal.

Please follow the itinerary above, as some GPS lead to wrong roads.