The City and the Stars

A look at the sky in the heart of Abruzzo

The City and the Stars is one of the longest-running astronomy outreach festivals in Abruzzo. Every late summer, it transforms Lanciano, a city in the province of Chieti, into an open-air observatory: telescopes pointed upwards, curious eyes turned toward the constellations, and the passionate voices of amateur astronomers guiding the public through the secrets of the universe. The event takes place within the Polo Museale Santo Spirito, a picturesque setting in the historic center of Lanciano.

The signature of the Gruppo Astrofili Frentani

The festival is conceived and organized by the Gruppo Astrofili Frentani, an association active since 1995 in astronomy outreach and the fight against light pollution. For over thirty years, the group's members have been bringing telescopes to the public square to introduce adults and children to the wonders of the firmament, with an approach based more on sharing passion and curiosity than formal lessons. The group also participates in international scientific projects such as ExoClock, PRISMA, and SETI@home.

What to expect

• Telescope observations: planets, stars, and deep-sky objects viewed with classic instruments and a smart telescope for digital observation of the summer sky.
• Planetarium: projections of the celestial vault to help navigate constellations and astronomical phenomena.
• "Lights of the Universe" photography exhibition: a visual journey featuring astronomical images captured by members, printed on aluminum, of great technical and artistic value.

An event for everyone

Admission is free, and the festival is designed for families, enthusiasts, and the simply curious. The evenings begin after sunset, when the sky is dark enough to reveal planets and constellations. Included in the summer program of the Municipality of Lanciano, The City and the Stars combines scientific culture, social interaction, and the magic of gazing toward infinity in one of the most fascinating art cities of the Frentano area in Abruzzo.