Where to admire the stars in Sicily: comes the “star” certification
First Troina, with the recognition of the “Most Beautiful Skies in Italy” by Astronomitaly, which takes into account not only the quality of the sky but also the facilities on site. Then Isnello with the international Starlight Stellar Park certification, which refers only to the quality of the sky. The Region of Sicily is also distinguished by the stars. Between bright stars and pure magic, a look up promises a unique experience to be had.
Isnello: where to get lost in a sea of stars
In the province of Palermo and specifically in the Madonie rises the astronomical park Gal Hassin
and of the Santissima Annunziata Church of the village of Isnello, awarded the international Starlight Stellar Park, issued by the Fundacion Starlight of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias in Spain. È the second place in Italy, after the mountain hamlet of the municipality of Nus in the Saint-Barthelemy Lignan valley of the Aosta Valley, to receive this important recognition. The first in southern Italy.
The fact that it is a secluded place, far from a built-up area, and free of light pollution were all key elements in being able to decree the starry sky of this Sicilian mountain location as the most beautiful in Italy.
Isnello, however, is not the only Sicilian village to shine, literally: in Troina In fact, another title, that of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Skies,” had previously been awarded by Astronomitaly, which identifies the most beautiful places in the country from which to observe the stars, while also taking into account the facilities and services on site and not just the quality of the sky.
How and when to visit Gal Hassin Park
You can visit the astronomical park Gal Hassin year-round, Tuesday through Sunday. It is ideal to go there in the summer months, where you can take part in beautiful evening tours. Obviously after checking the weather before booking and wearing warm clothes, as the temperature drops a lot. In any case, a one-of-a-kind and evocative experience for the whole family.
From the planetarium to the museum to observing stars and planets, you can’t help but keep your eyes on the sky. The ticket cost for the ingmission to the public is €12.00 for adults, €8.00 for children (11-14 years old) and €5.00 for children (5-10 years old).
For info and reservations just log on to the website, where there is also currently a petition to save this magical place, unfortunately at risk of closure due to the scarce funding dedicated to it.
“Star mapping”: here’s where to see the stars in Sicily
But the Sicilian territory offers plenty of other places for stargazing: just go up to mountain areas or move away from population centers to enjoy a clear and obviously starry sky.
The Argimusco is one of the most spectacular places to enjoy “stellar” views. Located north of Etna, between the Nebrodi and Pelotirani Mountains, it is defined as the Stonehenge Sicilian for the presence of the megalithic complex that makes the entire plateau unique. A timeless place where rocks and landscape were chosen as early as ancient times to practice astronomy, decipher the movements of the stars and understand the changing seasons.
Lake Ancipa, also known as “Lake Sartori.” is located in the Nebrodi Mountains and is the highest reservoir in Sicily. From here you can not only enjoy a unique panoramic view of Etna, but also of the entire
Milky Way.
Admiring the stars with friends or spending a romantic weekend with your partner is possible instead thanks to
Villa Sauci, a beautiful bed and breakfast located near the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo and a few kilometers from the Zingaro Nature Reserve. You will be welcomed by the family Cusenza, which succeeded in not only enhancing the scenic beauty of the place and Sicilian traditions. But also in that of bringing guests closer to an idea green of the living room: from hygiene products not tested on animals to recycled furniture materials to choosing foods derived from bio-dynamic farming and pastoral methods.
Astrotourism in Sicily is clearly growing, and the common goal is to enhance the natural heritage of some little-known but breathtakingly beautiful places during daylight hours, which can become unique thanks to a night view in which to lose oneself with the view.
by Davide Donnarumma