Science and Knowledge

Learn how to find the polar star, how to identify the constellations and observe, through the telescope, clusters of stars, nebulas and distant galaxies.  

The Lake Alqueva Observatory - OLA, is an astronomical observatory located at the core of the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve in Alentejo. It was inaugurated in 2016, and built with the objective of being a pleasant place to get to know more about the Universe, to learn astronomy and astrophotography in one of the most light pollution protected  regions in Europe.

For amateur astronomers or astrophotographers, OLA rents astronomical equipment and its observation platforms ideal to take advantage of Alentejo magnificent sky.

At OLA  you one can also find other activities such as solar observations, astronomy and astrophotography courses,  science café, activities for children, families, schools, senior people and companies.

OLA has an auditorium and an exhibition area, wide exterior field with a sundial and a solar system to scale and a wonderful viewpoint to the Lake Alqueva.