The Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte is the only part of the Italian Institute of Astrophysics (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica), the main Italian research organisation for the study of the universe, to be situated in mainland southern Italy. Two hundred years ago, on 28 July 1821, Ferdinand made his very first visit to the Observatory of Naples and his son Francis visited it a few days later. Two hundred years after the royal visit, a special exhibition has been organised with engravings and prints, together with the king’s diary of the first observations made at Capodimonte; visitors can also see the sixteenth century astronomical clock (1567), already a part of the Farnese collection which Charles of Borubon had transferred from Parma to Naples. The exhibition, which opened on 10 June to mark the eclipse of the Sun, will be open until 20 July, the anniversary of the landing on the Moon.
Open from 10 June to 20 July. For further information: www.oacn.inaf.it. Tel: 081 5575511.
