CervarAstronomica

A window to the universe in the Simbruini Mountains

CervarAstronomica is the summer series of public astronomical observations held in Cervara di Roma, the highest village in the Province of Rome, Lazio. The evenings take place at the Claudio del Sole Astronomical Observatory in Prataglia, at an altitude of 1,120 meters in the heart of the Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park. Far from city lights, the sky in this area is among the darkest and clearest in the region, providing ideal conditions for admiring planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies.

Who organizes the evenings

The initiative is curated by the ASTRIS Amateur Astronomers Association of Rome, which has managed the observatory since its inauguration in 2008, with the patronage of the Municipality of Cervara di Roma. Amateur astronomers welcome the public and guide observations through the telescope, explaining the celestial bodies visible depending on the season and sky conditions: the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, star clusters, the Milky Way, and deep-sky objects.

How an evening unfolds

Each event is organized into three evening sessions with limited capacity, with times varying according to the astronomical twilight. Participants are asked to arrive at least fifteen minutes before their booked session. Observations only take place in favorable weather conditions, as the sky must be clear of clouds. The 1,120-meter altitude also brings cool temperatures: bringing a jacket is recommended even on summer evenings.

A free and accessible event

CervarAstronomica is a free event, supported by voluntary donations to contribute to the observatory's activities. Booking is mandatory and spots for each session are limited to ensure a high-quality telescope experience for everyone. The simple format, suitable for families with children, has made these evenings a classic of the Cervara summer: many dates sell out well in advance.

Cervara di Roma, the village of artists

The series is also an opportunity to discover Cervara di Roma, a hilltop village known as the "village of artists" for its famous Art Staircase carved into the rock. Combining a walk through the historic center with stargazing makes for a complete experience, blending heritage, nature, and science in the evocative setting of the Simbruini Mountains.