Aperitivo under the Stars
Summer evenings of science, cocktails, and telescopes on the terrace of the Capodimonte Observatory
About Aperitivo under the Stars
A terrace suspended above Naples
The Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory stands on the Miradois hill, in the San Carlo all'Arena district of Naples, along the Salita Moiariello. Founded in the early 19th century and now home to the INAF (National Institute for Astrophysics), it houses one of Italy's most significant historical and scientific collections: antique instruments, archives, domes, and a view that sweeps across the Gulf, Mount Vesuvius, and the city rooftops. While it functions as a research hub for most of the year, it opens to the public in summer for Aperitivo under the Stars, a series of evening events that has become a staple of the Neapolitan calendar since 2017.
The format: listen, toast, and gaze at the sky
Each evening follows a well-established rhythm. It begins at 9:00 PM in the auditorium with a talk led by a guest—a university professor, researcher, journalist, or museum director—covering science, history, or culture in a clear, accessible language, free of complex formulas or jargon. It is not a lecture, but a dialogue, inviting questions from the audience and sparking curiosity.
After the talk, guests move to the panoramic terrace for a signature aperitivo curated by CuQu – Cucina di Quartiere, featuring a selection of local delicacies designed to be enjoyed standing while the sun sets over the Gulf. The evening concludes under the summer sky: thanks to telescopes and the guidance of Capodimonte astronomers and experts from the Neapolitan Amateur Astronomers Union, guests can observe planets, star clusters, and the wonders of the celestial vault.
The 2026 program
The 2026 edition featured four evenings, two in June and two in July, all starting at 9:00 PM:
- June 18 — Space Agriculture, with Stefania De Pascale, Professor at the University of Naples Federico II: growing plants in space is not just about producing food, but also regenerating air and water, improving astronaut well-being, and enabling long-duration missions.
- June 25 — An open dialogue with Rai journalist Ettore De Lorenzo, inspired by the philosophy of Gaetano Filangieri, to revisit Naples' scientific vocation between past and present.
- July 17 — Antonella Cucciniello, Director of the Girolamini Library and Monumental Complex, takes the audience on a journey to discover the treasures hidden in one of the city's most precious and lesser-known sites.
- July 22 — From Palermo to Capodimonte: Giuseppe Piazzi, the Astronomer of the Two Sicilies, with Ileana Chinnici of the INAF-Palermo Astronomical Observatory: the astronomer who discovered Ceres, founded the Palermo Observatory, completed the Capodimonte one, and authored a monumental star catalog.
Science, history, and Neapolitan identity
The strength of this series lies in never separating astronomy from its context. Naples is not just a scenic backdrop: it is a city with a long scientific tradition, from the Neapolitan Enlightenment of Gaetano Filangieri to the Bourbon-era founding of the Observatory, and today's cutting-edge astrophysical research. The talks weave together the sky and the territory, frontier research and local memory, with forays into the artistic and bibliographic heritage of Campania.
A public of curious minds, not specialists
Aperitivo under the Stars requires no scientific background. It is designed for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone looking for an alternative to the usual seaside summer evenings: head up the hill, breathe in the cooler air, hear an interesting story, enjoy great food, and finish with your eye to a telescope. This simple formula explains why tickets sell out quickly and why booking is mandatory.
Why it's worth an evening
- Access to a research site usually closed to the public, in the heart of the province of Naples, in Campania.
- High-quality outreach with speakers from INAF, the University of Naples Federico II, and local cultural institutions.
- Panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from the Observatory terrace.
- Guided stargazing with professional astronomers and amateur enthusiasts.
- Affordable price and a convivial atmosphere, with an aperitivo included in the ticket.
Aperitivo under the Stars — edition 2026
Four evenings between June and July 2026
The 2026 edition confirmed the formula that made the series popular: a 9:00 PM talk in the auditorium, a signature aperitivo on the panoramic terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples, and summer sky observation through telescopes, guided by Capodimonte astronomers and experts from the Neapolitan Amateur Astronomers Union.
The calendar alternated between frontier science and the history of Neapolitan culture. It opened on June 18 with Stefania De Pascale, from the University of Naples Federico II, on the topic of space agriculture: growing plants off-Earth to produce food, regenerate air and water, and support long-duration missions. On June 25, Rai journalist Ettore De Lorenzo proposed an open dialogue inspired by the thought of Gaetano Filangieri, to revisit the city's scientific vocation between past and present.
In July, the focus shifted to heritage: on July 17, Antonella Cucciniello, Director of the Girolamini Library and Monumental Complex, guided the public through the treasures of one of Naples' most precious sites. On July 22, the final evening, Ileana Chinnici of the INAF-Palermo Astronomical Observatory recounted the life of Giuseppe Piazzi, the astronomer of the Two Sicilies who discovered Ceres, founded the Palermo Observatory, and completed the Capodimonte one, with the opportunity to visit the exhibition dedicated to him.
The ticket price remained at 10 euros per person per evening, with limited capacity and mandatory booking; internal parking was free until full.
Programme Aperitivo under the Stars 2026
- Thursday, June 18, 2026, 9:00 PM — Talk on space agriculture with Stefania De Pascale, Professor at the University of Naples Federico II: the challenges of space missions and research on plant cultivation in extraterrestrial environments.
- Thursday, June 25, 2026, 9:00 PM — Open dialogue with Rai journalist Ettore De Lorenzo, inspired by the thought of Gaetano Filangieri, to revisit Naples' scientific vocation between past and present.
- Friday, July 17, 2026, 9:00 PM — Antonella Cucciniello, Director of the Girolamini Library and Monumental Complex, guides the public to discover the treasures kept in the monumental complex.
- Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 9:00 PM — From Palermo to Capodimonte: Giuseppe Piazzi, the Astronomer of the Two Sicilies, with Ileana Chinnici (INAF-Palermo Astronomical Observatory).
Each evening continues with a signature aperitivo curated by CuQu – Cucina di Quartiere on the panoramic terrace and concludes with telescope observation alongside Observatory astronomers and the Neapolitan Amateur Astronomers Union. Expected end time is around 11:30 PM.
Highlights Aperitivo under the Stars 2026
- Four evenings at an affordable price in a research site usually closed to the public.
- Speakers from INAF, the University of Naples Federico II, Rai, and Neapolitan cultural institutions.
- Signature aperitivo by CuQu – Cucina di Quartiere on the terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples.
- Guided telescope observation with professional astronomers and Neapolitan amateur enthusiasts.
- July 22 evening dedicated to Giuseppe Piazzi, with an exhibition set up at the Observatory.
Prices Aperitivo under the Stars 2026
Practical information — Aperitivo under the Stars
Location
Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory (INAF), Salita Moiariello 16, 80131 Naples, San Carlo all'Arena district, on the Miradois hill.
How to get there
By car, drive up towards the Capodimonte area: limited free parking is available inside the facility until full, so arriving early is recommended. Those using public transport can take the lines connecting the historic center and the National Museum area to the Capodimonte hill; the final stretch along Salita Moiariello is uphill, so comfortable shoes are advised.
Hours
Evenings start promptly at 9:00 PM and conclude around 11:30 PM, including the talk, terrace aperitivo, and telescope observation.
Tickets and booking
Admission is 10 euros per person per evening, with a reduced rate of 8.50 euros for Royal Card holders. Places are limited and participation is by reservation only, via the online booking section. To report food allergies or intolerances, please contact the booking service at +39 389 1034905.
Tips
Even in summer, temperatures on the hill can drop in the evening: a light jacket is useful for the outdoor observation session. The aperitivo is served standing on the terrace. The program may change in case of bad weather: it is advisable to check for updates on the Observatory website before traveling.
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Where does it take place — Aperitivo under the Stars
Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte (INAF)
Salita Moiariello 16, 80131 Napoli