If you have found a vacation rental in Chianti and are exploring this beautiful part of the world, you might also want to look up and see what is in the skies above the lovely landscapes of Tuscany. And where better to do that than the Osservatorio Polifunzionale del Chianti, or Chianti Multifunctional Observatory? Located in Barberino Val d'Elsa, just over 30 minutes from Florence, it is the best place to view the starry skies of Tuscany, the Milky Way, Jupiter, and more, all while enjoying some small bites and a glass of wine. If you feel like spending a romantic evening stargazing in Tuscany, this is the place to do it!
Inaugurated in 2013 in the presence of Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli, this multipurpose institute is divided into four different observatories: the Astrophysical, Environmental, Geosismic and Agrometereological. Created by an initiative undertaken by the Municipalities of Barberino Val d'Elsa and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, which are part of the Municipal Union of Florentine Chianti - Metropolitan City of Florence, and managed by the University of Florence, the observatory also has lots of research and academic partners including the Museum of Natural History of the University of Florence, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the Institute of Biometereology IBIMET - CNR and Laboratory for Meteorology and Environmental Modeling LAMMA, the National Institute of Astrophysics, and the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Agriculture and Earth Sciences of the University of Florence.
Inaugurated in 2013 in the presence of Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli, this multipurpose institute is divided into four different observatories: the Astrophysical, Environmental, Geosismic and Agrometereological. Created by an initiative undertaken by the Municipalities of Barberino Val d'Elsa and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, which are part of the Municipal Union of Florentine Chianti - Metropolitan City of Florence, and managed by the University of Florence, the observatory also has lots of research and academic partners including the Museum of Natural History of the University of Florence, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the Institute of Biometereology IBIMET - CNR and Laboratory for Meteorology and Environmental Modeling LAMMA, the National Institute of Astrophysics, and the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Agriculture and Earth Sciences of the University of Florence.
The observatory makes a concerted effort to involve local communities from the surrounding area in their work and to engender a love of, and interest in, science. There are lots of different outreach programs involving various schools, groups, charities, and volunteers, however, that does not mean that it is not a place that casual visitors or tourists can enjoy. Anyone is welcome to drop by and learn and take in the incredible majesty of nature, though not at all times. It is worth stopping by and asking as to whether or not it is open to visitors if you are in the area though. If you are driving down SP 101, look for the signs to La Ripa and then you will see a small sign for the observatory to your left. It is quite remote and easy to miss so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
A visit is a good idea if there is a particular natural phenomenon, such as shooting stars or an eclipse, due to happen during your stay in the area as the observatory is usually open to the public during these times and you will be able to use their facilities and make the most of their remote location (away from light pollution and other such obstructions to a clear sky) for ten euros. During these times there is also usually a big celebration made of the event with food, drinks, music, lights, projections, and more.
Quite a magical place, set amongst the trees and natural beauty of the landscape of Chianti, this is the ideal spot to spend a lovely evening taking in the stars that look down on the region of Tuscany. If you have found a holiday rental in Chianti and you are planning on thoroughly exploring the area, this little gem is well off the regular beaten tourist path and promises a more unique experience of, and different perspective on, the area. Don’t just take in what can be found on earth while in Chianti, but be sure to set aside some time to admire the charms to be found in the heavens above the area as well!
A visit is a good idea if there is a particular natural phenomenon, such as shooting stars or an eclipse, due to happen during your stay in the area as the observatory is usually open to the public during these times and you will be able to use their facilities and make the most of their remote location (away from light pollution and other such obstructions to a clear sky) for ten euros. During these times there is also usually a big celebration made of the event with food, drinks, music, lights, projections, and more.
Quite a magical place, set amongst the trees and natural beauty of the landscape of Chianti, this is the ideal spot to spend a lovely evening taking in the stars that look down on the region of Tuscany. If you have found a holiday rental in Chianti and you are planning on thoroughly exploring the area, this little gem is well off the regular beaten tourist path and promises a more unique experience of, and different perspective on, the area. Don’t just take in what can be found on earth while in Chianti, but be sure to set aside some time to admire the charms to be found in the heavens above the area as well!