From exclusive resorts in the Dolomites to dream homes in Puglia, the hunt for shooting stars and eclipses becomes an experience that creates a dialogue with cosmic space.
If one suddenly discovered the passion for astrotourism here is a detailed map of the places in Italy rich in astronomical phenomena in this period of shooting stars (it’s nice to call the meteorites that we entrust with wishes to be granted this way). He says Fabrizio Marrafounder of Astronomitalya portal that certifies the most beautiful skies: «The charm of the starry sky is deeper than an escape from the ordinary, it is a need to reconnect with the Cosmos, it means rediscovering one’s origins». Was Alan Sorrenti right when he sang «We are children of the stars»?
Marra continues: «I am launching a preview of two destinations that have just entered the network: Campo al Vento, in Todi, Umbria, and Cesa del Louf, in Arabba, Belluno Dolomites. Places that are poles apart in terms of landscape, united by the same quality of the night sky. Structures such as Mangia’s Santa Teresa Sardinia and Curio Collection by Hilton are also part of our network: quality tourism and sky observation can coexist. Then there is something new: in Campo Giove, in Abruzzo, on the Majellawe have opened an operational headquarters. From 16 to 25 August it will be possible, by booking, to experience the thrill of observing Saturn and the Milky Way, and even the Moon. The quality of the sky, without light pollution, is excellent.”
Unexpected flashes and routes between the Alps and the Apennines
Marra has also seen strange phenomena: «A few years ago I was with a group of American tourists in a Tuscan villa. At a certain point we saw a compact, cigar-shaped luminous line crossing the sky. It glowed unnaturally. For a few moments we prepared ourselves, jokingly, for the first contact with an alien spaceship. But within minutes my team verified the space launches of those days: it was a satellite Starlinkone of the first, not everyone knew how to recognize them.”
We, as amateur astrotourists, have seen the night sky, embroidered thoughts on the constellations, reflected on the light years that separate us from the galaxies (we look at the very remote past, if we raise our eyes on those distant worlds). And always from the most beautiful places in Italy.
From Valtellina, which on 29 August organizes the route The stars of the giants, between geology and astronomy in Valchiavenna. From Dynamo OasisWWF nature reserve, over a thousand hectares on the Pistoia Apennines. Inside, there is the Dynamo Camp, the first Italian recreational therapy center for children suffering from serious pathologies, and Oca, art courses curated by Emanuele Montibeller.
From the peaks of South Tyrol to the farms of Puglia
Then there is Oasyhotel, which offers Astrotours and stargazing among the spartan houses immersed in the woods, around a pond.
In the mountains, you can observe brilliant skies from the Bella Vista hotel, owned by the family of the former skiing star Gustav Thoeniin Trafoi, Alto Adige. Enlarged with a new wing, designed by Matteo Thunthe hotel is a natural platform to see, with all the comforts, from the infinity pool to the cuisine of chef Andreas Wunderer, the celestial phenomena. Petra Thoeni and her husband Stephan Gander will be able to recommend, as well as wines and walks, the best segment of the firmament.
Another mountain place to observe Perseids and stars is the Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort in Tires al Catinaccio (BZ), famous for its pink sunsets and the high-class hospitality of the owner family, the Damian.
In the south, between islands and seas with Homeric memories, our favorite observation points are in Puglia, in the heart of the most famous farms, at the origin of tourism for high-spending people that has transformed the region. Let’s talk about Masseria San Domenico and San Domenico a Mare, of the Melpignano family. And Tenuta Moreno and Masseria Malvindi, in Mesagne. Places where the celestial light chooses whether to reflect in the sea or in the vast pools.
And it is here, pervaded by Mediterranean scents, that the night gives us a thought from the Argentine Antonio Porchia, an aphorist loved by Borges. Here it is: “Sometimes I need the light of a match to illuminate the stars.”
