Observatorio do Lago Alqueva

About

The Observatório do Lago Alqueva – OLA (Lake Alqueva Observatory) is the first and largest an astronomical observatory in Alentejo. Located in the heart of rural Portugal, near to the medieval village of Monsaraz, its location offers a trully magnificent dark sky to all visitors. OLA offers almost daily tours of the magnificent night sky of Monsaraz, where one can learn the orientation by the North Star, identify the constellations and know their legends, relate stellar colours with their ages, observe star clusters, nebulas and distant galaxies with the help of telescopes. The explanations are presented with clear examples and language by OLA’s guides. When the weather is cloudy, we resort to a simulation using astronomy software. The observatory also promotes courses on astronomy and astrophotography and has a vast program of outreach talks and activities for the general public, schools and senior groups.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes