Rome Observatory

The Rome Observatory is a research facility at Monte Porzio Catone consisting of several buildings with laboratory spaces, accommodation, and an extensive library. The complex contains instruments and resources for conducting modern astronomical research across different areas of space and cosmos.

The facility was founded in 1938 and was initially located on Monte Mario in Rome before being moved to its current site after World War II. The relocation allowed for modernization and expansion of research capabilities at a better location outside the city.

The observatory houses a museum displaying historical instruments and a large collection of old astronomical books that show how scientific understanding of the sky developed over time. Visitors can see how astronomers once recorded their observations and shared their discoveries.

The location is in the hills outside Rome and is accessible by public transportation or car, with the journey taking about half an hour. The best time to visit is during daytime hours when museum rooms and libraries are fully accessible.

The library holds rare early printed editions of works by major astronomers such as Copernicus, Ptolemy, and Galileo, including some of the oldest printed books on the subject. These original editions show how thinking about the universe changed across the centuries.

Location: Rome

Inception: 1999

Official opening: 1938

Elevation above the sea: 128 m

Website: http://oa-roma.inaf.it

GPS coordinates: 41.92247,12.45248

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:01