*Translated by Sara Pasino
VARESE – A thermos, a blanket and a nice spot with little artificial light. For the night of San Lorenzo, even in the province of Varese, there are places where you can admire the show of shooting stars for the San Lorenzo night. The most popular spots are the area of the Campo dei Fiori and the Forte d’Orino.
For those who want to go a little further away from the city and want to plan a night trip there is always the option of Monteviasco, but also the area of the Piero Mills that gives a glimpse of the sky to keep under observation. These spots are perfect for those who love “free” observation. Those who prefer to rely on some organised tours have other good options.
Perseids in villa
On August 10 and August 11, during the night of San Lorenzo, which is linked to the passage of the meteor shower of the Perseids, Villa Della Porta Bozzolo in Casalzuigno hosts two evenings of observations of the night sky as part of Fai’s Summer Evenings. It starts at 6 pm with the opportunity to visit the villa and then to dine on the lawn with a picnic basket provided by the restaurant I Rustici (an email reservation is required).
The highlight of the evening is scheduloed for 9.30, when the guided observation starts. This is organised by the Schiaparelli Astronomical Observatory in the scenic park of Villa Della Porta Bozzolo: the stars and planets observed by the telescope will be projected in real time on a screen, allowing the participants to look at the sky in a brand new way (in case of overcast sky, the event will take place through a virtual projection of the starry sky). Reservations are required until fully booked, for more information call 0332 624136.
Double appointment at Parco Pineta
It will also be possible to enjoy the view of the Perseids during a relaxing picnic in the magical atmosphere of the Centro Didattico Scientifico in Tradate, immersed in the heart of the park.
The first appointment will be on Friday, August 12, bu it is now sold out. During the event the participants will be able to listen to the Celtic Harp Orchestra, presenting “Songs for Gaia – Poets, travelers, lovers … ancient stories and legends in a modern key”. However, there are still places available for Saturday, August 13, with the music of Clio and Maurice, a duo that blends voice, strings and electronics to act as a background. The event starts at 8 pm and the admission is allowed until 8.45 pm. Reservation is required.
For those who are away on holiday
Here are some suggestions for those who have already left and are far from Varese – you might still be in one of the ideal spots to admire the shooting stars.
For example, in Liguria you can head to Perinaldo, the picturesque medieval Ligurian village, with a beautiful observatory where famous astronomers have studied. The observatory organises ad hoc evenings to host the event. Another popular destination is the Euganean Hills in Veneto. The Veneto Nature Park is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the evocative atmosphere of the San Lorenzo night and see the shooting stars.
The stars
From the Passo di Dante, which is located in the Pisan mountains and is cited in the Divina Commedia, to the Gran Sasso in Abruzzo. The best point of observation is definitely the Gran Sasso National Park. Here there are many events organised by experts and from this point the observation of stars and other celestial bodies is particularly simple.
Rolling down South
If you are on holiday in Basilicata, then Monte Siri is the place for you, in particular the Appennino Lucano Val d’Agri Lagonegrese National Park. On top of the mountain overlooking the small village of Anzi, in the province of Potenza, there is a modern observatory open all year round. Its position and the skills of the volunteers working there, make it easier even for the less experienced to understand and recognise the most beautiful celestial bodies. Alternatively, you could go on top of Mount Vesuvius, one of the best points of observation of the stars overlooking the gulf. Here, every year night excursions are organised around August 10.