Cyprus to get first purpose-built ‘Star Wars’ observatory

Cyprus will soon join the stargazers of Europe after contracts were signed to build a EUR 1.4 mln Star Wars inspired Troodos Observatory, the first of its kind on the island. Construction contracts have been signed between the Limassol District Office and the contractor to build an ultra-modern astronomical centre.

The state-of-the-art Troodos Observatory will be interconnected with European observatories as part of an observatory network.

As the first purpose-built observatory in Cyprus, it hopes to attract astronomers, observers, scholars, researchers, and astronomy enthusiasts from around the world.

The ambition of the observatory is also to stimulate public curiosity and interest in astronomy, space, and science as well as educating people.

The building will have 2 main telescopes, a 20-inch Astronomical Observatory Telescope with a mechanically rotating domed roof and a Solar Observatory Telescope for daytime use with a specially designed mechanically moving roof.

The building will be accessible to the public during some evenings for people to bring their telescopes on to the Astromarina which is a telescope platform for stargazing and other events.

The futuristic building in the Troodos mountains will also house a presentation room that can be used as a planetarium.

The aim is to create a landmark building perched on the peak of a mountain to inspire and excite anyone who sees it from afar or up close.

Architects Nicodemos K. Tsolakis and Elena K. Tsolakis from Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects designed the building that has won international awards and finalist in the World Architecture Awards.

The project is part of GEOSTARS cofinanced by the European Union (ERDF) and by National Funds of Greece and Cyprus.

It is scheduled to be completed in 16 months with a cost of construction and astronomical equipment of EUR 1.394.573,40 + VAT.