Ondřejov Observatory

Is the universe infinite? Is there anyone else out there? Questions like these will probably remain unanswered forever. But at the Ondřejov Observatory, you can learn much more about the universe and observe it up close. It is no coincidence that the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Republic chose Manda Hill, near a historic town close to Prague, as its location. Stars, interplanetary objects, and other celestial objects are observed here with the largest reflecting telescope in the Czech Republic.

In 1898, the industrialist Jan Josef Frič decided to use his experience in manufacturing optical instruments and build an observatory above Ondřejov. Since he was a wealthy manufacturer, he invited the prominent architect, the author of the main railway station in Prague, Josef Fanta, to implement the project In the first half of the 20th century, several Art Nouveau buildings were constructed here, including several domes, a swimming pool, and a gardener’s house. The park, with its 102 tree species, is also highly valued. An important milestone was the year 1928, when Jan Josef Frič donated the observatory to the state.

• Did you know that in the central dome there is a telescope with a lens that is more than 150 years old for observing the sun? It was built in 1859 by the American Alvan Clark and came into the possession of Josef Jan Frič a few decades later. It has a diameter of 20 cm, and today it is used to observe the sun’s photosphere in Ondřejov.

The observatory is open from May to September, always on weekends and holidays. Entry to the entire grounds is free, except for access to the buildings, which is only possible with a guide. In addition to the aforementioned domes, you will see four observation houses with retractable roofs, several monuments, statues, and also a number of radio telescopes. You will be accompanied almost the entire time by a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. You don’t necessarily have to be a fan of the starry sky; the Ondřejov Observatory is a place that will also appeal to hikers, nature lovers, and history buffs.

What’s next?

The neighbouring village is no less important, as Hrusice is the birthplace of the famous painter Josef Lada. From Ondřejov, you can take a pleasant walk to his monument and stroll along the Fairytale Hrusice (Pohádkové Hrusice) educational trail. Beer lovers will appreciate the National Brewing Museum in Kostelec nad Černými lesy, just a few kilometres away. The Sázavský klášter monastery and Český Šternberk Castle are also nearby.