I've read that star gazing is the best in Tuscany, but I'm not sure exactly where to go. I've planned to be around Florence for 1-2 days but would like to stay another day if there's a place with a great night view of the stars. Is there any city/place around Florence that is good to stay for a night or two for a chance to see the stars?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32406 posts
I'm assuming you're referring to "star gazing" without the aid of a telescope or whatever? I have some background in astronomy and have found that star gazing near large cities is usually not too effective, as they view is washed out by the lights.
Your best bet would probably be to find an Agriturismo outside of Florence as that will provide a better perspective. Of course, all of this is dependent on weather at the time.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
What Ken said. The city lights of Florence will interfere with star gazing, you would want to go to the Tuscany countryside, the farther away from city lights, the better.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The best star gazing I ever did was in Puglia, near Castel del Monte. We were driving and had to stop just to look at the stars, which were so numerous that the sky was nearly filled with them.
I'm sure Tuscany is lovely but I've never been far enough away from the cities to enjoy the star gazing. And I would assume that Umbria would be at least as good as Tuscany.
How does one decide where star gazing is "best"?
Posted by
21 posts
You may want to look into this observatory. I was just reading about a tour there today
Ariannaandfriends.com/culturaltoursobservatory.htm
Sorry can't figure out how to paste in here on my iPad so link is showing up wonky but if you just search for it, you will find it