Inaugurated on June 27, the Geoscope – Astronomical Observatory of Fajão, in Pampilhosa da Serra, affirms the Schist Villages as a rare worldwide destination to observe the dark sky. The ceremony will be attended by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado, and the President of Tourism of Portugal, Carlos Abade.
The project, consisting of an observation point and a pedagogical kiosk, will have an animation calendar with observation sessions “Trip to the Light of the Stars”, astrophotography and guided tours.
The observation point, located at the top of the village, is a semi-spherical “dome” in steel, that is 7.5 meters high and 15 meters in diameter. It is inspired by an original idea by Buckminster Fuller, reinterpreted by designer João Nunes and designed by architect José Leite. Perfectly integrated into the Natura 2000 Network and the Serra do Açor Protected Landscape, it gently stands out as a landmark in the surrounding nature. It is a factor of tourist attraction and a privileged place to highlight the relationship between heaven and earth. Thus, a new chapter begins in the territory of the Schist Villages – Tourist Destination Starlight, a new impulse centered on the enjoyment and protection of the dark sky.
O projeto, composto por um ponto de observação e um quiosque pedagógico, terá ainda associado um calendário de animação com sessões de observação “Viagem à Luz das Estrelas”, astrofotografia e visitas guiadas.
O ponto de observação, localizado no alto da aldeia, é uma “dome” semi-esférica, em aço, com 7,5 metros de altura e 15 metros de diâmetro. Inspira-se numa ideia original de Buckminster Fuller, reinterpretada pelo designer João Nunes e desenhada pelo arquiteto José Leite. Perfeitamente integrada na Rede Natura 2000 e na Paisagem Protegida da Serra do Açor, destaca-se suavemente como um marco na natureza envolvente. É um fator de atração turística e um local privilegiado para evidenciar a relação entre o céu e a terra. Inicia-se, assim, um novo capítulo no território das Aldeias do Xisto – Destino Turístico Starlight, um novo impulso centrado no usufruto e proteção do céu escuro.
Geoscope is a multidisciplinary project, a point of convergence that unites tourism, science, pedagogy and territorial development. It promotes immersion in the journey of knowledge and challenges us to reflect on our place in the cosmos and on the planet. Emphasizing astronomical tourism, integrating the pedagogical and scientific community, preserving the night sky, nature and place, and situating the human being in an ecological and sustainable perspective are the main purposes of this project.
The structure consists of a Dome, a place of observation and sensory knowledge, and a kiosk, a reception and reception space, located in the centre of the village, which integrates theoretical and practical content, with its models and virtual reality. The project also has the scientific guidance of astronomer José Matos.
“The dream allows us to dare and transform apparent weaknesses into resources. The darkness, resulting from the absence of large urban agglomerations, so often associated with limitations, is now assumed as a compass for a new strategic positioning of this territory”. This is how the president of ADXTUR synthesizes the work that has been developed within the Schist Villages – Tourist Destination Starlight and that now materializes in the Geoscope of Fajão. “This is a project that strengthens strategic links, generates economic and social opportunities, develops exclusive tourist products, safeguards heritage and promotes the quality of life of populations,” explains Paulo Fernandes.
For the Mayor of Pampilhosa da Serra, the Geoscope of Fajão is another “step forward” in the path that the Municipality has been taking in recognition of the excellence of the night sky as an asset of strategic development. Jorge Custódio emphasizes that “the unique characteristics and the privileged location of the Schist Village of Fajão, make it an observation point of excellence, where you can watch an incredible show throughout the year”. With its focus on the starry sky, the Municipality seeks to “position itself as a destination for all who are interested in the cosmos and the relationship between earth and sky, whether amateur or professional”.
Schist Villages – In Starlight
The installation of Gescope – Astronomical Observatory of Fajão deepens what is already the central value proposition of the Schist Villages project: immersion and contact with nature, this time under the celestial vault, and with local communities. The project focuses on the enjoyment of the dark sky, stimulating the capture of new tourist flows and development of new products, raising awareness for the protection of the landscape and the dark sky and reducing light pollution.
The excellent conditions of visibility, transparency and darkness of the sky and the readiness and quality of tourist services have earned the Schist Villages the Certification Tourist Destination Starlight, awarded by the Starlight Foundation in 2019 and already renewed in 2024.
The Geoscope – Astronomical Observatory of Fajão, is a project led by ADXTUR – Agency for the Tourist Development of Schist Villages, in co-promotion with the Municipality of Pampilhosa da Serra, and is an anchor of the strategy Schist Villages – Tourist Destination Starlight, developed in partnership with 20 Municipalities of Pinhal Interior, the Intermunicipal Communities of the Region of Coimbra, the Region of Leiria, Beira Baixa and Beiras and Serra da Estrela, the Ministry of National Defense, the Telecommunications Institute, the University of Coimbra and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto.
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