Is there life beyond our planet? How is a star born and how does it ignite? Will we really, one day, walk on Mars? These are huge questions, and no one has all the answers yet. But during this evening dedicated to astronomy, you’ll hear clear and fascinating explanations, guided by those who study the sky every day. You’ll experience (at least part of) their work firsthand through an immersive experience, just over an hour from Milan, in the unique setting of a historic Lombard mansion.
Astronomers for a Night
“Astronomers for a Night” at Villa Della Porta Bozzolo is a FAI event dedicated to those who love the sky and the stories it tells. Set against the backdrop of the villa in Casalzuigno (Varese), expertsfrom the G.V. Schiaparelli Astronomical Observatory will guide you in observing the Moon, the constellations, and the planets, following an evening tour of the historic rooms and the Italian-style garden. The experience is designed to be immersive: you’ll listen, observe, ask questions, and experience firsthand the fascination of astronomy in a historic setting with over 400 years of history —a place that becomes even more enchanting at night.
In addition to being an immersive experience, this event can turn into a truly romantic evening. Enjoy a genuine dinner under the stars thanks to the special picnic boxes. The GELSO BOX and the TIGLIO BOX, both priced at 35 euros, offer a complete menu featuring a stuffed focaccia, savory vegetable strudel, Sicilian caponata, and a first course, accompanied respectively by a small bottle of prosecco (GELSO) or a non-alcoholic drink (TIGLIO) and water.
🎟️Tickets: Tickets for the event (villa tour + stargazing) can be purchased here for €18.00 (discounts available)
📅Dates: August 1 and 8 (with picnic available); September 5 (without picnic)
🕰️Times: 7 :00PM to 11:00 PM
🧺Picnic: Reservations for the picnic basket are required and close 24 hours before the event
🍹Refreshments: In the picnic area, you can still purchase additional refreshments or add items to your picnic box.
🌱Dietary Options: Vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free optionsare available upon request; please contact the villa directly at faibozzolo@fondoambiente.itç
From country home to villa of delights
In the peaceful Valcuvia, just a few kilometers from Varese and Lake Maggiore, Villa Della Porta Bozzolo was built in the 16th century as the Della Porta family’s country home, surrounded by farm buildings, an olive press, a wine cellar, and a silk mill. Over the centuries, the residence was transformed into an elegant 18th-century “villa di delizia,” adorned with Rococo frescoes and embraced by a large Italian-style garden that winds up the hillside through terraces, stairways, and water features. In the 19th century, it became the summer retreat of Senator Camillo Bozzolo and was subsequently donated to the FAI in 1989.
