Astronomical observatory of Aosta Valley
Resort: Nus
Guided tours in the Observatory:
Saturday at 9.30 p.m.
Show at the Planetarium:
Saturday 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Extra openings and special events are planned for public holidays, during particular periods of the year or on the occasion of astronomical phenomena of particular interest.
Booking required on line through the website.
For information:
Mondays to Fridays, 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Visits for school parties are held from Tuesday to Friday upon reservation.
The price of the visit depends on the type of visit and the number and age of the visitors.
For further information, click on the following link: Price table
Language of activities: all public events are held exclusively in Italian.
Logistical indications: all daytime and evening activities start from the Lignan Planetarium, where the ticket office is also located. The road section connecting Lignan’s main square to the Astronomical Observatory (approx. 300 m) is closed to unauthorized traffic. Any particular needs must be communicated at the time of booking.
Use of artificial light: in the evening, an electric torch is recommended, preferably with a red bulb or glass, to be pointed downwards to light up the road without interfering with any observations under way.
Information on temperatures in the mountains: projections at the Planetarium, situated at an altitude of 1633 m a.s.l., are made in a closed, heated room, while daytime and night-time guided visits take place outdoors, or in rooms in the Astronomical Observatory without heating, situated at an altitude of 1675 m a.s.l. Visitors are therefore advised to dress appropriately for the climate and the altitude, depending on the season.
Accessibility: both the Planetarium and Observatory are fully accessible and barrier-free.
A journey among the stars in the Aosta Valley
Perched at over 1,600 m above sea level in Lignan, in the heart of the Saint‑Barthélemy valley, awaits an experience that will take you beyond the sky.
Here stand the Planetarium and the Astronomical Observatory of the Aosta Valley (OAVdA): two unique sites in Italy where science becomes wonder, and the universe reveals itself before your eyes.
Planetarium of Lignan
Prepare to embark on a journey through space and time.
The immersive shows - last about an hour - transport you among galaxies, planets and nebulas, with high‑definition images reproduced in lifelike detail by a cutting‑edge 4K digital projection system.
No matter the weather, the spectacle remains: they’re held rain or shine and updated monthly to offer something new every time.
The planetarium is equipped with an air‑exchange system for comfort and safety.
Regional Astronomical Observatory
Open since 2003, the OAVdA is one‑of‑a‑kind in Italy, working in collaboration with INAF – National Institute for Astrophysics, and hosts one of the largest instrument collections in Europe.
Here you can:
- Observe the Sun safely in the Heliophysical Laboratory
- Explore the sky with the naked eye from the Theater of Stars, guided by a laser pointer
- Admire constellations and planets through 25 cm Cassegrain telescopes
Scientific excellence has enabled the Foundation to establish dozens of collaborations at home and abroad. Alongside research and tech transfer, astronomers personally design and conduct activities for schools and the public.
Throughout the year, they lead guided night tours, revealing the sky in high altitude, far from light pollution.
If weather prevents stargazing, the experience continues indoors with digital-sky projections and science deep-dives.
Daytime visits are instead reserved for schools and organized groups: discover the secrets of the telescopes and, weather permitting, observe the Sun up close. Even in cloudy conditions, don’t worry: real images from space missions will show you the Sun in new light. Educational activities are also offered in English and French.
Book daytime educational activities
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.