Night of the Stars at Iuvanum

Night of the Stars at Iuvanum

Every summer, the Iuvanum Archaeological Park in Montenerodomo, in the heart of the Chieti province, transforms into an open-air observatory. The Night of the Stars at Iuvanum is a public stargazing evening organized by researchers from the INAF - Abruzzo Astronomical Observatory as part of the Montenerodomo Summer School, promoted by the Municipality in collaboration with the Center for Studies on Southern Italy and the Benedetto Croce and Abruzzo Literary Park.

A place steeped in history

The Iuvanum Archaeological Park stands at an altitude of nearly one thousand meters on the slopes of the Maiella, in a territory once inhabited by the Carricini, a tribe of the Samnite people. Of the Italic sanctuary, dating back to the 4th century BC, two side-by-side temples and a small stone-tiered theater remain; nearby lie the remains of the Roman municipium, with its paved forum, cobbled streets, tabernae, and public buildings. Observing the stars from this place means lifting your gaze to the same sky that its ancient inhabitants contemplated over two millennia ago.

Science and the starry sky

The evening includes a meeting with the Director of the Abruzzo Astronomical Observatory and, as night falls, guided observation of celestial bodies. INAF researchers guide the public on a journey that intertwines the site's ancient history with modern science, illustrating planets, constellations, and deep-sky objects. A precious opportunity to approach astronomy in a setting free from light pollution, immersed in the silence of the Abruzzo Apennines.

An event for everyone

Free and open to the public, the Night of the Stars at Iuvanum is designed for families, the curious, and astronomy enthusiasts. The combination of the charm of ancient ruins and the wonder of the firmament makes the evening a unique experience in the summer event landscape of inland Abruzzo, highlighting one of the most important archaeological sites in the region.