Astronomical observatory of Palermo, Astronomical observatory in Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo, Italy
The observatory occupies the top floor of the Norman Palace, featuring a collection of astronomical instruments and research facilities for contemporary space studies.
Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies established the observatory in 1790, appointing Giuseppe Piazzi as director who later discovered the dwarf planet Ceres in 1801.
The Museum of Specola preserves historical astronomical instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries, demonstrating the evolution of scientific observation methods.
Visitors can contact the observatory at +39 091 233111 to schedule guided tours and learn about current research in astronomy and astrophysics.
The observatory houses the Palermo Circle, a precision instrument manufactured by Jesse Ramsden that revolutionized celestial position measurements in the 18th century.
Location: Palermo
Inception: 1790
Website: http://astropa.inaf.it
GPS coordinates: 38.11222,13.35611
Latest update: March 18, 2025 07:52
Palermo Cathedral
247 m
Palazzo dei Normanni
259 m
Cappella Palatina
268 m
Opera dei Pupi
117 m
San Giovanni degli Eremiti
304 m
Norman Palace
272 m
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale
309 m
Porta Nuova
292 m
Santissimo Salvatore, Palermo
328 m
Tomb of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
247 m
Palazzo Sclafani
65 m
Villa Bonanno
79 m
Palazzo Conte Federico
223 m
Archbishop's Palace
180 m
Museo Diocesano of Palermo
175 m
Palazzo Reale o Albergaria
223 m
Santa Maria Maddalena
292 m
Santa Cristina la Vetere
309 m
Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto
291 m
Teatro Marmoreo di Re Filippo V di Spagna
174 m
Santa Maria l'Incoronata
258 m
Biblioteca centrale della Regione Siciliana
299 m
Oratorio di San Mercurio
318 m
San Giovanni dell'Origlione
267 m
Oratorio dei Santi Pietro e Paolo
237 m
San Demetrio
42 m
Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel
309 m
Palma Da Datteri
74 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes