Torre delle Stelle, Medieval tower in Aielli, Italy.
Torre delle Stelle is a medieval tower in Aielli with a cylindrical form rising about 10 meters high. Its interior follows an octagonal layout with two southern entrances and now functions as an observatory and museum.
The tower was built in 1356 by Count Ruggero of Celano and controlled a strategic passage near the ancient Via Valeria route. Its construction reflects the period when such structures were essential for maintaining control over regional routes.
The tower houses the Museum of the Moon and an astronomical observatory where globes, sundials, and optical instruments show how people studied the sky across centuries. Visitors can see the tools and methods that shaped humanity's understanding of the cosmos.
The observatory features computerized stations for astronomical simulations and projects about 2500 stars onto a 6-meter dome for visitors to observe. It is best visited on clear days to fully enjoy the astronomical displays and projections on offer.
The interior features an umbrella-shaped vault divided into eight sections supported by ribs resting on small corbels, an uncommon design. This structural solution demonstrates the careful craftsmanship of the medieval builders who created it.
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