Welcome to Stephanion Observatory
Exploring
the Universe
since 1966
Stephanion Observatory will be open on Sunday 13/09/2026
1966
Founded in the Space Age
170+
Scientific Publications
76 cm
30-inch Cassegrain Reflector
5700
Visitors since August 2025
OUR MISSION
An Observatory with a Remarkable Scientific Legacy
Founded in 1966, Stephanion Observatory became one of Greece’s earliest centres of international astronomical and space research. From French satellite tracking and European observing programmes to decades of stellar photometry by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, resulting in more than 170 scientific publications, and today’s exoplanet research and citizen science, the Observatory has connected this small mountain site with the wider scientific world for sixty years.
The Observatory stands on Dragatoura Hill in the northeastern Peloponnese, just west of the village of Stephani, on the present-day border between the regional units of Corinthia and Argolis, at an altitude of approximately 800 metres.
Today, the Observatory is a public facility owned by the Municipality of Corinth. Its programme of public observations, educational activities and astronomy outreach is supported by the Astronomical Union of Corinth “ASTERION”, while scientific activities continue in collaboration with academic and research institutions.
Combining public outreach, scientific research and the interpretation of its scientific heritage, Stephanion Observatory represents a unique model in Greece: a public observatory, active research facility and exhibition space within one historic scientific site.
SUMMER 2026
Solar Sundays at the Observatory!
Have you ever seen the Sun’s eruptions and giant prominences rising thousands of kilometres above its surface?
This summer, every Sunday, we invite you to Stephanion Observatory for a unique experience of solar observing and an introduction to astronomy. Through our specialized Hydrogen-alpha (Hα) telescope, you will see the Sun as few people ever have the opportunity to see it: with flares, prominences and remarkable details of its chromosphere.
Come with your family or friends and join us in discovering the science, beauty and mysteries of our nearest star. Your guide will be Giannis Kostidis, an intern from the Department of Physics at the University of Patras, specializing in Astronomy.
OUR MISSION
Promoting Citizen Science
The Observatory is located on Dragatoura Hill just outside of the village of Stephani on the present-day border between the prefectures of Corinthia and Argolis, 800 m above sea level.
The Observatory is a public facility owned by the Municipality of Corinth and operated by the Astronomical Union of Corinth “ASTERION”. Stephanion Observatory is a unique -for Greek standards- hybrid of public observatory, research facility and exhibition space.
In 2020 the Observatory was closed for a comprehensive renovation in order to enhance the Observatory’s ability to pursue its public astronomy mission.
Explore the Observatory
Telescopes & Instruments
Since its foundation in 1966, a large number of instruments have been hosted at the Stephanion Observatory.
The Observatory’s History
The history of the Observatory starts in 1964 when a group of Dutch astronomers visited Greece, in order to examine the possibility of installing a small reflector telescope…
Preservation & Renovation
In 2020 the Observatory was closed for a comprehensive renovation in order to enhance the Observatory’s ability to pursue its public astronomy mission.
RESEARCH
Hunting for Exoplanets
Today, Stephanion Observatory is an active site of scientific research, hosting observations conducted by the University of Patras as part of the international ExoClock programme. Using the Observatory’s robotic telescope, observations can be carried out both on site and remotely, enabling the systematic collection of valuable scientific data.
ExoClock aims to precisely monitor the transits of exoplanets across their host stars in order to improve predictions of their transit times. These data are essential for the successful implementation of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Ariel space mission, which will study the atmospheres of around 1,000 exoplanets, searching for clues about their composition, formation and evolution.
Through this collaboration, Stephanion Observatory actively participates in an international research network, contributing to the preparation of one of Europe’s most important space missions in the field of exoplanet science.
DISCOVER
The Planet Trail
Imagine being able to walk through space and meet, one by one, the planets of our Solar System — along with moons, comets, asteroids, meteoroids and dwarf planets.
On the Planet Trail at Stephanion Observatory, the entire Solar System has been scaled down to fit along a 590-metre trail! This means that every metre you walk represents approximately 10 million kilometres in space!
Get ready for a unique journey of discovery, where every step brings you closer to the mysteries of the Universe!
Upcoming Events
Solar Sundays | Every Sunday 11:00–18:00
Solar Observing & Astronomy Presentations
This summer, every Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00, we invite you to Stephanion Observatory for a unique experience of solar observing and an introduction to astronomy.
Come with your family or friends and join us in discovering the science, beauty and mysteries of our nearest star. Your guide will be Giannis Kostidis, an intern from the Department of Physics at the University of Patras, specializing in Astronomy.
Free admission
Stargazing Night | Sunday 16/08/2026 | 19:30-01:00
Book Presentation & Stargazing Night
A summer evening at Stephanion Observatory with astrophysicist and author Dr Eleni Vardoulaki, featuring the presentation of the children’s book “Pluto: The Little Planet with the Big Heart”.
A guided tour of the night sky and stargazing through the Observatory’s telescopes will follow.
Free admission
October 2026-May 2027
Educational Programmes
Stephanion Observatory welcomes the new 2026–2027 school year with a wide range of educational programmes for students of all educational levels, offering them a unique opportunity to discover the fascinating world of astronomy first-hand.
Coming soon
Observing the Sky
Anyone can be an observer, and we are here to help. Let us take you on a journey of discovery to find out how we watch and listen to space, what we know about the galaxies beyond, and what is yet to be discovered!
You may look through the public telescopes of the observatory or the telescopes of the Astronomical Union of Corinth “ASTERION” or use our astronomical information to observe from your own backyard.
Check out the monthly Sky Report to see what you can observe in Stefani.
Visit
Take the road to the Stars!
Located on the top of Dragatoura Hill at an altitude of 800 m. just outside the village of Stephani, the Stephanion Observatory is easily accessible by car from Athens and Corinth as well as from the Argolis.
Contact US
Address
20008 Stephani Corinthia
Send us an e-mail
Check-out ways to contact us
