The Newall telescope was originally commissioned in 1869 by British amateur astronomer Robert Stirling Newall.
The telescope was donated to the National Observatory of Athens by the University of Cambridge in 1957.
Mount Pentelicus is historically famous as the source of the marble used for the Parthenon and other structures on the Acropolis.
The observatory is situated at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level.
The dome housing the Newall telescope features a mechanical rotation system that has been restored to maintain its original engineering integrity.
The site conducts regular public observations of planets, nebulae, and star clusters depending on atmospheric conditions.
The National Observatory of Athens Penteli Visitor Center houses the historic 62.5-cm Newall refractor telescope, one of the largest in Europe when it was constructed. Located on the southern slopes of Mount Pentelicus, the site serves as the primary outreach facility for the Institute of Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing. Visitors gain access to the restored 19th-century observatory dome and the main telescope instrument. The facility hosts guided evening sessions centered on celestial observation and astronomical education. It provides an unobstructed view of the Attic sky, significantly removed from the intense light pollution of central Athens. The institution maintains an active research presence while dedicated to public science communication. The site includes a museum area displaying historical scientific equipment and maps of the lunar surface. Educational seminars and specialized lectures occur throughout the year for varied age groups.
The interior of the main dome featuring the historic Newall telescope, especially when the dome aperture is open.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as temperatures drop significantly at this elevation after sunset.
Check the official website for event-specific registration requirements, as some sessions require advance booking.
Use the provided red-light torches sparingly to protect your night vision during observations.
Do not rely on public transport to reach the site, as the final incline is steep and poorly served; arrive by car or private taxi.
Operates primarily on specific weekday evenings and weekends; closed during certain periods for scheduled private events and maintenance.
Maintain silence during telescope observations to ensure researchers and fellow visitors can focus; avoid using flash photography near equipment.
