Pezza: Astronomy, Nature and Culture

A destination with an astronomical focus

The Astronomical Observatory of Scheggia e Pascelupo is located in the area of La Pezza, in the Monte Cucco Regional Park at an altitude of 900 metres. The site is described as one of the places with the clearest skies in central Italy. The area of La Pezza identifies the specific location; the Monte Cucco Regional Park situates it within its natural setting. This gives the observatory a clear astronomical profile: its altitude and the described quality of the skies shape this theme, while the programme offers specific points of interest for a range of interests. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first decide whether astronomy, outdoor activities or a cultural and historical site should be the focus of your trip.

Programme and observations

The observatory’s year-round programme includes public evenings, popular science events, educational initiatives and scientific observation projects. If you are looking for a particular format, plan around it and check the specific dates and programme availability before your trip.

At its reopening in 2025, amateur astronomers guided the public using telescopes and explaining planets, stars and galaxies. Virtual journeys through space were offered in the planetarium, where visitors could see constellations, nebulae and distant galaxies. These two examples show different ways of presenting astronomy: guided observations through telescopes on the one hand, and a virtual journey through space on the other.

Outdoor activities in the regional park

Trekking, mountain biking and canyoning are possible in the Monte Cucco Regional Park. The Forra di Rio Freddo has challenging sections and descents for these activities. If you include the Forra in your plans, take these demands into account and check local conditions and access.

A cultural and historical highlight: Santa Maria di Sitria

The former Abbey of Santa Maria di Sitria is an additional cultural and historical highlight. It lies in Monte Cucco Nature Park, in a valley between the Artino Gorge and the slopes of Monte Catria, along the route between Scheggia and the hamlet of Isola Fossara. The valley, gorge, mountain slopes and route are therefore key points of reference for understanding its setting. The abbey offers a different thematic focus from the astronomical events and outdoor activities available in the regional park. If you plan your trip around your interests, you can include this former monastery as a distinct cultural and historical highlight. Comparing these different focuses involves different planning considerations: programme dates at the observatory, local conditions for outdoor activities, and the landscape setting of Santa Maria di Sitria.

Practical information before your visit

The observatory was designed to be fully accessible and free of architectural barriers. If particular access arrangements are important to you, enquire about the current procedures on site before your visit. A report from August 2025 notes that the access road to the observatory was restored as part of its reopening. Check current road conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Cerbara, Passaggio Di Assisi, Città Di Castello, Chiugiana-La Commenda, Castello Delle Forme, San Giovanni Di Baiano, Deruta, Tordandrea.

Go to the main travel overview: Perugia.