The largest astronomical observatory in the heart of the Dark Sky® Reserve
in Monsaraz

There is always something new happening in heaven.

Every month we have different celestial objects visible.

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Our activities

Astronomical Observation

Discover the sky of Monsaraz and let yourself be enchanted by the Universe.

In cloudy weather the session is replaced by the universe navigation session.

Sessions: in English and Portuguese

from Tuesday to Saturday

in the summer every day
or on special weekends

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Navigation in the Universe

Sky navigation activity can take place during the day or night with observation of constellations, nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, planets and other deep sky objects in real time.

Sessions: in English and Portuguese

from Tuesday to Saturday

in the summer every day

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Solar Observation

The Sun restarted the Cycle designated Solar Cycle 25 in December 2019.

With the new reversal of the magnetic poles, the different phenomena on the sun's surface gain new intensity.

Sessions: in English and Portuguese

from Tuesday to Saturday

in the summer every day

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Group Activities

Activities for senior groups, groups of friends or companies.

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Activities for schools

Activities for different academic years and curricular plans for the subjects of Natural Sciences, Physics & Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

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Little Astronomers

From Tuesday to Saturday after the solar session, OLA has for young explorers aged 6 to 14, children will participate in hands-on experiments that make science exciting.

From stargazing to conducting small experiments, each session is a new adventure.

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Cancellations of any of our activities with a refund will only be accepted 48 hours in advance, except in duly justified cases of force majeure. (For online booking cancellations, the platform may charge a fee.)
We are subject to weather conditions; if the weather does not permit the astronomical session, it will be replaced by the real-time navigation session.

Complementary Services

We have other services that may be of interest to you.

Astronomical or Solar

Private Session

Observe stars, planets and constellations, with the help of our guides in an exclusive session, making your experience unforgettable.

Events

Space Rental

The Auditorium is available for rental by companies and/or other entities, for holding events.

Events

Groups

At OLA we organize activities for groups of companies, young people, schools or seniors.

Astronomical or solar

Platform Rental

We provide photography and observation platforms for amateur and professional astronomers, equipped with electrical connection for Go-To telescopes.

Events

Team Building

Team building activities at the Alqueva Lake Observatory promote unity and collaboration through astronomy and fun.

VÍDEO

VISITS AND
TICKETS

Plan your visit to the Alqueva Lake Observatory at the DarkSky® Reserve in Monsaraz, and purchase your ticket for an unforgettable experience.

OLA

Welcome to the largest astronomical observatory in the Dark Sky® reserve, the Alqueva Lake Observatory (OLA), a place where science and nature meet.

Here, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the immensity of the universe and learn more about astronomy and enjoy the landscape with views of Monsaraz Castle and Lake Alqueva.

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Visiting the Alqueva Lake Observatory in the heart of the Dark Sky® reserve, for a guided tour of the magnificent night sky of Monsaraz, means enjoying a sky protected from light pollution, ideal for astronomical observations with high-resolution telescopes.