Stargazing in the Italian Alps: Aosta Valley’s Star Party Returns This September
During the Star Party, public lighting in the mountain villages is turned off to ensure optimal observation conditions. With a waning moon and, hopefully, clear skies, the celestial show will be breathtaking to the naked eye, through telescopes, or captured in astrophotography.
This September, the Alpine skies above Saint-Barthélemy in Italy’s Aosta Valley will once again light up with celestial wonder as the much-loved Star Party returns from 19–21 September 2025. A highlight of Europe’s astro-tourism calendar, the Star Party invites both astronomy enthusiasts and curious travellers to experience one of the clearest night skies in Northern Italy.
Set in the heart of the Saint-Barthélemy valley — officially recognised by UNESCO and certified as a Starlight Stellar Park — the Star Party is a rare chance to explore the cosmos in an environment almost untouched by light pollution. During the event, local mountain villages switch off public lighting, creating ideal conditions for naked-eye stargazing, telescope viewing, and astrophotography under some of Europe’s darkest skies.
Programme highlights
- Open-sky observations of stars, planets and galaxies
- Immersive shows at the Planetarium of Lignan
- Popular science talks with leading astronomers
- Guided night tours of the Regional Astronomical Observatory
- Astronomy fair featuring equipment and innovations
Closing concert & awards on Sunday 21 September, with a performance by Nus’ “La Lyretta” band, plus prizes for drawing and astrophotography competitions.
The Regional Astronomical Observatory, Italy’s only facility of its kind, plays host throughout the weekend. Opened in 2003 and working in collaboration with INAF (the National Institute for Astrophysics), it boasts one of Europe’s most extensive collections of astronomical instruments. Visitors can safely observe the Sun in the Heliophysical Laboratory, enjoy laser-guided tours of the constellations in the open-air “Theatre of Stars,” and admire planets through state-of-the-art telescopes.
Even if the weather does not cooperate, the Star Party goes ahead, with an indoor programme of digital-sky projections and hands-on science sessions ensuring no visitor leaves without a sense of wonder.
Practical Information
Dates: Friday 19 September – Sunday 21 September 2025
Location: Saint-Barthélemy valley, Aosta Valley, Italy
Admission: Free (subject to availability)
Images and content supplied by Aosta-Valley
