CYPRUS
Inside the stunning new Troodos Observatory
s a kid obsessed with space and the planet, this experience felt like coming full circle. We visited the new observatory at Troodos, and here's everything you should know.
We went up to the dome, to see Saturn through the telescope, and my pre-teen self probably cried a few tears of joy
A night at the Troodos Observatory begins long before the sky darkens, as the sun dips behind the mountain peaks and the air cools. Up here, above 1,000 meters, the world feels quieter, but at the same time incredibly fascinating. After sunset, the Troodos range transforms into one of the island’s darkest, most magical nightscapes. Stargazing sessions, astronomy workshops, and guided telescope tours promise experiences that blend science with wonder.
Troodos Observatory is, actually, very new – it officially opened on June 2024. Perched at around 1,200 m in the Troodos Mountains near Agridia, it was designed by Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects and features a mirrored dome and façade and a spaceship-like form that blends into the mountainous terrain.
After we enjoyed the terrace and the amazing views on sunset, when the sky was clear we went up to the balcony for stargazing. As the observatory is also an educational hub, we were shown all the visible constellations and the milky way, after we spend a few minutes in the red-lit room to prepare our eyes.
Then we went up to the dome, to see Saturn through the telescope and my pre-teen self probably cried a few tears of joy. Our trip was made possible by Lurpak, with whom we experience a night with great food and stargazing, a.k.a. a great combo.
The entry fees are:
• Day ticket: €7 for regular visitors / tourists, €5 for students
• Night ticket: €20 for regular visitors / tourists, €10 for students.
There are also some discounts and special offers, and the tickets includes mini lectures, guides and sessions to properly use binoculars and telescopes. If you are an astro-nerd, or if you were one, this is for you.
As you make your way back down the mountain and the Observatory fades in the rearview mirror, it’s hard not to feel a little transformed. Nights like this, quiet and full of wonder, have a way of staying with you long after the journey ends.
Whether you’re an avid stargazer or a traveler simply seeking a moment of awe, the observatory offers an experience that connects you to something vast and beautiful.