Gazing at the stars is a deeply moving experience, capable of inspiring wonder, amazement and a sense of connection with something greater than ourselves. It is an opportunity to disconnect from our daily routine, immerse ourselves in the vastness of the cosmos and reconnect with our inner selves. There are four astronomical observatories in the province of Reggio Emilia, dedicated to the contemplation of the stars and understanding their motion. Let’s discover them together!
‘Lazzaro Spallanzani’ Astronomical Observatory – Scandiano
Located a few kilometres from our farmhouse, the ‘Lazzaro Spallanzani’ Astronomical Observatory is dedicated to the great researcher born in Scandiano in 1729, considered the ‘Galileo of biology’. It is managed by the Scandiano Association of Astronomical Physics and was designed to allow for all kinds of observation, amateur research and educational activities related to astronomy. Nestled in the countryside of the lower Reggio Emilia hills, it consists of three domes equipped with telescopes: the small dome, 3.5 metres in diameter; the medium dome, 4.5 metres in diameter with an adjoining 19-metre horizontal solar tower; and the large dome, 5.5 metres in diameter, arranged on two floors. It regularly offers specialised courses, lecture series and evenings open to the public.
‘Padre Angelo Secchi’ Public Astronomical Observatory – Castelnovo di Sotto
Located on the outskirts of the town centre of Castelnovo di Sotto (just over 30 kilometres from our farmhouse), the ‘Padre Angelo Secchi’ Public Astronomical Observatory is named after the Jesuit astrophysicist who was the father of astronomical spectroscopy. Managed by the Reggio Emilia Astronomy Association (A.R.A.), it has a conference room (with a capacity of 70 people), a darkroom and a dome (with a capacity of about 30 people) equipped with amateur astronomical instruments built independently. It offers in-depth studies and educational activities for the public, as well as conducting scientific research in the field of solar physics and meteorology.
Fonti di Santa Lucia Astronomical Observatory – Cervarezza Terme
Located about 50 kilometres from our farmhouse, the Fonti di Santa Lucia Astronomical Observatory is in an ideal area for stargazing, as it is completely free of any man-made structures, overhead or underground power lines, with little vegetation and no plantations. The observatory has a 610mm f/3.6 Newtonian telescope, a 150mm f/10 guide refractor, a Meade 8″ LX200 and a small Coronado solar telescope. It is not only a magnet for amateur astronomers, but also a destination for the many hikers and nature lovers who visit the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park in which it is located.
‘Pierino Zambonini’ Astronomical Observatory – Villa Minozzo
In Febbio (a hamlet of Villa Minozzo), just over 60 kilometres from our farmhouse, there has been an observatory operating for over twenty years named after its founder, the well-known amateur astronomer Pierino Zambonini from the Valtestina area. Run by several volunteers belonging to the Monte Cusna Astronomia association, it monitors the sky from the top of the Reggio Apennines, at an altitude of 1,100 metres above sea level. In addition to teaching and research, it also organises evenings of observation and photography of celestial objects, especially in summer.
AGRITURISMO IL BRUGNOLO
Welcome to il Brugnolo
If you’re looking for completely independent apartments surrounded by greenery you really are in the right place here!
In fact, Brugnolo is immersed in the green nature of the Emilian countryside. For your relaxation, for that of your children, and again for the runs of your 4-legged friends, you will have 6000 square meters of park at your disposal!
