Bellino Astronomical Observatory Openings
Stargazing evenings in the Varaita Valley Alps
About Bellino Observatory
An observatory in the mountains of the Varaita Valley
The Bellino Astronomical Observatory is located in the hamlet of Celle, a small mountain village in the heart of the Varaita Valley, in the municipality of Bellino (Province of Cuneo, Piedmont). Its location, far from city lights and immersed in the Cottian Alps, makes it one of the premier spots in the Cuneo area for observing a clear, pitch-black night sky—perfect for those looking to discover planets, constellations, and celestial phenomena with the naked eye or through a telescope.
2026 Reopening after technological upgrade
After closing in 2025 due to technical issues that rendered the equipment unusable, the observatory returns to full operation in 2026. Thanks to the support of the Municipality of Bellino and the Fondazione CR Saluzzo, a state-of-the-art equatorial mount has been installed, ensuring greater precision and stability than ever before. Management is entrusted to Sideralis APS — Officina delle stelle, a scientific outreach and educational association that has been overseeing the facility's activities since 2024, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours for all ages.
Limited-capacity evenings throughout the season
The schedule of openings runs from March to December and follows the year's major celestial events, alternating between planetary observation, meteor showers, and deep-sky objects. The evenings are limited-capacity, ensuring that every participant can use the equipment correctly under the guidance of the association's staff. All activities are subject to favorable weather conditions.
An experience for families and enthusiasts
There is no need to bring personal equipment: the observatory's telescopes are available to the public, with staff providing step-by-step guidance. Access is open to those under 18 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and free parking is available. The Bellino Observatory evenings combine the magic of a mountain night with the wonder of astronomy, in one of the most picturesque natural settings in Piedmont.
Bellino Observatory — edition 2026
The 2026 season inaugurates the new life of the Bellino Observatory in the hamlet of Celle, following the installation of a state-of-the-art equatorial mount. The calendar of openings, running from March to December, has been designed to guide the public through the year's main celestial phenomena during limited-capacity evenings led by Sideralis APS operators.
Highlights include the observation of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Venus, and Mars, the galaxies of the Virgo Cluster, participation in the Dark Sky Week, and the year's two major meteor showers. Booking is available via Eventbrite.
Programme Bellino Observatory 2026
Scheduled celestial phenomena in 2026
- Partial Solar Eclipse — August 12, 7:28 PM
- Perseids — peak in August, with high frequencies of luminous trails
- Geminids — December meteor shower
- Planets — evenings dedicated to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Venus, and Mars
- Deep Sky — Virgo Cluster galaxies and deep-sky objects
- Dark Sky Week — participation in the international dark sky week
The full calendar, specific dates for individual evenings, and times are published and bookable on the Eventbrite platform by searching for "Sideralis APS". Evenings are limited-capacity and subject to favorable weather conditions.
Highlights Bellino Observatory 2026
Prices Bellino Observatory 2026
Practical information — Bellino Observatory
Location
Bellino Astronomical Observatory, borgata Celle, 12020 Bellino (CN), Varaita Valley, Piedmont.
How to participate
Evenings have limited capacity and must be booked via the Eventbrite platform (search for "Sideralis APS"). Refunds are possible up to 7 days before the event.
Useful information
No personal equipment is required. Free parking. Access is permitted for those under 18 if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Activities are subject to favorable weather conditions.
Contacts
Email: [email protected] — Website: sideralisaps.com
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Where does it take place — Bellino Observatory
Osservatorio Astronomico di Bellino
Borgata Celle, 12020 Bellino