Historic Telescopes and Cultural Heritage

Since 2008, the observatory's entire ensemble of neo-baroque buildings and domes (constructed 1906-1912) has been listed as a national monument of cultural heritage. It is also discussed as a possible aspirant for the UNESCO world heritage list. Up to today, research is being done in this historical ambience. The park with info panels along the pathways is open to the public every day 7:00 am to 22:00 pm. A highlight is a visit to our library. For an even deeper dive, guided tours visiting to our historic telescopes are available.

The oldest telescope at the observatory dates from 1867. With its formidable refractor and 1m reflecting telescope, the observatory hosts two milestone instruments from the early 20th century. At that time, large lens telescopes were increasingly replaced by reflecting telescopes. This development also marks the transition from classical astronomy to modern astrophysics. Photographs and detailed information about all historical telescopes can be found in the FUNDus! collection portal.