The Planetarium Astronomical Observatory
A place of science and a space of wonder
In Anzi, where the mountains seem to bring the earth closer to the sky, science meets contemplation. On the summit of Monte Siri, near the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Seta - the ancient castle of the Carafa family of Naples - lies one of the most fascinating places to observe the universe in southern Italy: the Basilicata Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory. From this extraordinary natural viewpoint, the gaze embraces the entire valley, the village, the Camastra dam and, on clear days, the Lucanian Dolomites, in a 360-degree panorama that prepares the spirit for a cosmic journey.
Today, the Planetarium Observatory is a national reference point for the dissemination of astronomy and science. The facility combines a modern planetarium with a professional observatory, offering an immersive experience that fascinates adults and children alike. Inside the large dome of the planetarium, with a diameter of twelve metres, a sophisticated projection system allows visitors to explore the sky in ideal conditions: a sky free of light pollution and clouds, where around 4,500 stars of the northern sky take shape, from circumpolar constellations such as Cassiopeia to those of the Zodiac. Here, visitors can witness the reproduction of the Milky Way, the spectacular explosion of a supernova, the birth of a star or the formation of a nebula, experiencing the cosmos as a visual and scientific narrative of great emotional impact, enriched by the use of virtual reality headsets.
The astronomical observatory is equipped with one of the most advanced reflecting telescopes in southern Italy: a professional Ritchey-Chrètien instrument with a 420-millimetre primary mirror, capable of scrutinising planets, stars and celestial objects visible from the night sky of Anzi. Thanks to the quality of the site and the technology available, direct observation becomes an authentic and engaging experience, in constant dialogue with contemporary scientific research.
For years, the Anzi Planetarium Observatory has been run by a staff of highly specialised young professionals, with skills certified by the MIUR and the European Space Agency. The facility hosts events, meetings and initiatives of national and international importance, with the participation of astronauts such as Paolo Nespoli, Umberto Guidoni and Luca Parmitano, as well as university professors, astrophysicists and representatives of the main space agencies, from NASA to ESA.
Alongside research and dissemination, the Planetarium plays an important educational and tourist role. Throughout the year, guided tours, educational workshops and training courses are organised for schools of all levels, while in the summer months, school camps and summer camps come to life, offering opportunities to combine play, nature and astronomy in a complete educational experience. The activities are designed for all types of audiences, from families to organised groups, with initiatives such as the “Stelle in Famiglia” (Stars in the Family) evenings, which introduce even the youngest children to the wonders of the sky.
A few steps away, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Seta preserves the precious cycle of frescoes painted in 1559 by Giovanni Todisco, unique in the region for its size, stylistic modernity and extraordinary state of preservation. The scenes dedicated to the life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus culminate in an evocative Nativity, in which the artist naturally incorporates elements of Lucanian peasant culture, such as the caciocavallo cheeses hanging in the cave, a sign of an ancient dialogue between the sacred and the everyday.
The Anzi Astronomical Observatory Planetarium is not only a place of science, but also a space of wonder and discovery, where man returns to question his place in the universe. A cultural and naturalistic attraction that enriches the offer of the Lucanian Apennines National Park and transforms stargazing into an unforgettable experience, suspended between knowledge, emotion and infinity.