Osservatorio of Lanusei

Built around the year 2000 by enthusiastic amateur astronomers, the observatory on Monte Armidda is one of the attractions of the small town of Lanusei. The astronomers discovered that at this point in particular the sky above the Ogliastra is free of any light pollution, i.e. of artificial light. This makes it very easy to observe the stars up here.

The observatory is the destination of a tough off-road tour. Tough because it takes place on a route that is sometimes very narrow, steep and full of hairpin bends. The starting point is the Passo Sarcerei at an altitude of 926 meters on the SS 198. A gravel road branches off there, which circles a mountain ridge with lots of curves and switchbacks and with significant differences in altitude, offering lovely views down into the valleys and their villages. Fortunately, there are also less tricky sections in between, so that you can admire the panoramas in detail.

Once you're back on the SS 198, drive left for about a kilometer and then turn right onto the track that leads to the observatory. Nothing difficult, medium-sized gravel, even gradient. Since the facility is in constant operation, if you're interested you can ask the astronomers questions about the observatory, the sky and the stars. Or just enjoy the special atmosphere.