Osservatorio astronomico di Sormano
Mountain astronomical observatory at 1,128 m, run by amateur astronomers, with a dome, a small asteroid museum, a planetarium and periodic public openings.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Osservatorio Astronomico di Sormano is located in Colma del Piano, in the Lombard Prealps, at about 1,128 metres above sea level and some 40 kilometres north of Milan. It is run by the Gruppo Astrofili Brianza, a social promotion association of astronomy enthusiasts.
Construction was completed in 1987, privately financed by about fifteen members of the group, and the building was inaugurated in October 1988. Its scientific work has focused on observing minor bodies of the Solar System, such as asteroids and comets.
For years the observatory has carried out public outreach by day and by night, with direct observation of the sky, lectures and evenings for schools and groups. In June 2025 the new observatory with planetarium was inaugurated, part of the Polo Astronomico di Sormano.
Highlights
- Dome with a 50 cm main telescope
- Small asteroid museum
- 43-seat planetarium in the new Polo Astronomico
- Observation of the Sun and the night sky through telescopes
- Monthly public openings and themed evenings
Permanent exhibition
- Museo degli asteroidi – Small museum with material on asteroids, holding around 15 people.
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Gruppo Astrofili Brianza APS
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Children aged 0 to 6 free; from age 7 and for adults €10. |
Price applies to public openings with the planetarium, without booking, until the 43 seats are sold out. Photographs and meteorite samples can be obtained with a voluntary donation supporting the observatory.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
Some satellite navigation systems direct you along the old road, which is closed for the last 4 km: it is advisable to continue on the main road. From Asso, continue towards Sormano in the direction of Pian del Tivano; from Nesso, go up via Zelbio and Veleso to Sormano. The observatory is located along path 1 of the Triangolo Lariano.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit includes a short introductory lecture, a tour of the telescope dome, the control room (on request), the photo gallery and the small asteroid museum, as well as telescope observation of planets, nebulae and star clusters and, in good conditions, daytime observation of the Sun. Groups are divided into subgroups of about 10–15 people. Some areas are unheated: it is advisable to dress warmly. Visits for groups and schools by reservation: informazioni@osservatoriosormano.it, subject to availability and observing conditions. |
