Vatican Observatory

The Vatican Observatory is an astronomical research facility in Castel Gandolfo, Vatican State. The complex sits on a hilltop and includes a dome containing a refractor telescope.

The institution was established in the late 16th century under Pope Gregory XIII to support calendar reform. Relocation from Rome to the Alban Hills took place in the early 20th century due to increasing light pollution in the city.

The site demonstrates the long-standing commitment of the Catholic Church to scientific inquiry through its active research program. Visitors can see how religious tradition and astronomy work side by side in this working facility.

Access to the facility is through organized tours coordinated with the Vatican Museums. Visitors can view astronomical instruments and a meteorite collection during their visit.

The institution operates a second research site in Arizona since the early 1990s, equipped with an advanced telescope for deeper sky observations. This transatlantic collaboration allows research under better atmospheric conditions.

Location: Castel Gandolfo

Inception: 1891

Official opening: 1930

Elevation above the sea: 430 m

Website: https://vaticanobservatory.org

GPS coordinates: 41.74722,12.65056

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:22