As the road winds higher into the mountains, the air becomes cleaner, the scent of pine stronger, and with each turn, you sense something unusual approaching. And then, amid the pine forest, as if on the runway of another planet, stands a building that has already been nicknamed Cyprus’ “spaceship.” This is the new observatory in the village of Agridia, opened in 2025 and instantly becoming one of the island’s most unusual attractions.
Architecture Worthy of the Universe
The first impression of the building feels like stepping onto the set of a sci-fi movie. Shiny mirrored panels, a 5.6-meter dome, and a sliding roof — it all resembles a spacecraft ready for launch. And that’s no coincidence! Architects from Tsolakis Architects have brilliantly combined futuristic design with harmony with nature. The new observatory reflects the mountain landscape as if dissolving into it, appearing so natural that it seems it has always been part of the Troodos Mountains, just hidden from view until now.
Space Inside
Inside, visitors are greeted by two main attractions — telescopes. One is for observing the night sky, and the other is for studying the Sun and its activity. The building is meticulously designed: special supports minimize vibrations, and the sliding roof provides a 360-degree view of the sky. You can also see a real meteorite from Argentina, visit the “Cosmotheatre” for educational films, and step onto the “Astromarina” viewing platform, offering breathtaking panoramic mountain views worthy of postcards.
How to Reach the Observatory
The observatory is located near the villages of Agros and Kyperounda, at an altitude of 1,250 meters above sea level. It takes about 45 minutes to reach from both Limassol and Nicosia. The final stretch is a mountain serpentine road, making the journey especially scenic. This location was chosen intentionally due to low light pollution, minimal humidity, and clear night skies, making it perfect for astronomical observation.
Programs and Prices
The observatory offers two programs — daytime and nighttime. The daytime program is ideal for observing the Sun, while the nighttime program immerses visitors in the mysterious world of stars. Both promise a unique experience and expanded knowledge of the cosmos.
Daytime Visit: Adults €7, Students/Children €5. It includes:
- An educational film about the Solar System and recent astronomical discoveries at the “Cosmotheatre”
- Observation of the Sun through a special helioscope (weather permitting), including sunspots and prominences
- Viewing a unique meteorite from Argentina, millions of years old
- A tour of the main telescope (without observation), with explanations of its design and functions
- A walk along the “Astromarina” platform with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
Nighttime Visit: Adults €15, Students/Children €10. Guests can see planets, nebulae, and the Milky Way, listen to a short lecture, and try “Uranography” — the art of reading star maps. For deeper observations, binoculars are available for €5/hour and telescopes for €10/hour.
Families are especially welcome: the second and subsequent children enter for free, as do children under 3. Soldiers receive a 50% discount, and caregivers of people with disabilities are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased by phone or via the official website: troodosobservatory.com. Both programs are suitable for families, school groups, tourists, and anyone interested in astronomy. There are also souvenir shops and a small café on-site.
A New Chapter for Cyprus
The observatory’s opening is significant for both science and tourism. Astrotourism is growing worldwide, and now Cyprus has firmly secured its place on the map. The €1.77 million project was funded by the government and the European Union, demonstrating that the island can surprise not only with beaches and the sea but also with the sky. The new Troodos Observatory is a treasure for space enthusiasts. Romantics can have a date under the stars, families can turn a day off into a scientific adventure, and photographers can capture breathtaking shots worthy of poster prints.
Tips Before Your Visit
- Clothing and Comfort: Nights in the mountains can be much colder than at lower altitudes, even in summer. Temperatures may drop sharply after sunset, especially with wind. Bring warm clothes, a sweater, jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking on the “Astromarina” platform. A thermos with hot tea is also a nice addition for the evening program.
- Weather and Visibility: The best conditions for stargazing are clear, moonless nights. Clouds and moonlight significantly reduce visibility of distant objects such as nebulae, galaxies, and faint stars. Check the weather forecast before visiting.
- Moon Phases: Avoid full moons to see the maximum number of stars, as the bright moonlight obscures dim stars and asteroids. For observing brighter objects like Jupiter, Saturn, or Mars, moonlight is less critical.
- Ticket Booking: Evening sessions are popular in summer and autumn, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. Reservations for the upcoming season typically open in July. Plan at least a few weeks ahead, especially with family or a large group.
- Additional Tips: Arrive 15–20 minutes early to explore exhibits. Photo and video are allowed, but avoid using flash. Children can bring notebooks to record observations. For multiple visits, consider the daytime program to study solar phenomena and educational films in the Cosmotheatre.
Following these simple tips will help you fully enjoy your visit, see rare astronomical objects, and make your journey into the world of stars truly unforgettable.
The Troodos Observatory is more than a building with telescopes — it’s an opportunity to feel part of the vast Universe and perhaps see the sky truly for the first time in years. If you’re planning a trip to the mountains of Cyprus, add it to your itinerary. While the sea is everywhere on the island, the chance to touch the stars is rare.
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