Tota Pulchra is pleased to present "Under the Skies of the Vatican" an exclusive day of science and culture at the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo. The event, reserved for registered guests, includes lectures, a guided tour of the Observatory, and an optional dinner, offering a day dedicated to the intersection of scientific research and historical heritage.
Key information
- Venue: Specola Vaticana — Vatican Observatory, Castel Gandolfo
- Date: Monday, 22 September 2025
- Access: free of charge, by invitation; formal registration required by 14 September 2025
- Registration: http://www.bit.ly/2209VISIT (limited seats)
- Organizer: Tota Pulchra — https://totapulchra.org/
- Press and accreditation: Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
Day programme (for registered participants)
- 13:10 — VIP bus check-in for Castel Gandolfo
(departure coordinates provided after registration) - 14:45 — Entry to the Vatican Observatory (accreditation check)
- 15:00 — Conference opening (welcome remarks and introduction)
- 17:00 — Guided visit of the Observatory
- 18:00 — Conference conclusion
- 19:00 — Dinner in Castel Gandolfo (optional, €35; reservation required)
- 20:30 — Return by bus to Rome
Moderator
- Geoffrey Van Hecke — Event Moderator · Writer (BE)
Main speakers
- Rev. Gabriele Gionti, S.J. — Cosmologist, Vatican Observatory
- Prof. Michaël Gillon — Astrophysicist, University of Liège (BE); discoverer of the TRAPPIST-1 system
- Prof. André Füzfa — Astrophysicist, University of Namur (BE); specialist in cosmology and gravitational waves
- Laura Luigia Martini — Global Executive, Nuclear Engineer, SDA Bocconi
- Agostino Ghirardelli - Architetto & Founding, Partner, SBGA (IT)
Main themes
- Exploration and detection: techniques and recent results in astronomical observations and the search for exoplanets.
- Theory and models: the role of mathematics in the formulation and testing of cosmological models.
- History and scientific heritage: presentation of collections and historical instruments of the Observatory and conservation activities.
- Interdisciplinary dialogue: connections among astrophysics, mathematics, cosmology and the history of science.
Logistics and optional services
- VIP bus from Rome (round trip): departure 13:15 — return 20:30; cost €25 (reservation required).
- Dinner in Castel Gandolfo (optional): 2-course menu + 1 prosecco + 1 bottle of wine, water and coffee — €35 (reservation required).
- Registration deadline: 14 September 2025 — http://www.bit.ly/2209VISIT
Press information For press accreditation, interview requests and photographic material: Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
Final note "Under the Skies of the Vatican" is an initiative by Tota Pulchra that brings together scientific research, interdisciplinary dialogue and heritage promotion. Attendance is free but strictly by invitation and formal registration; seats are limited and early registration is recommended.
Tota Pulchra — Where culture, heritage & dialogue meet
For more information: https://totapulchra.org/
