Location Madrid, Spain Criteria Monument Reference no. RI-51-0009078 Phone +34 915 06 12 61 | Type Non-movable Designated 1995 Province Community of Madrid Architect Juan de Villanueva | |
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Governing body Instituto Geográfico Nacional (Spain) Address Calle de Alfonso XII, 3, 28014 Madrid, Spain Hours Closed today ThursdayClosedFriday4:30–6PMSaturday12–2PM, 4–6PMSunday12–2PMMondayClosedTuesdayClosedWednesdayClosedSuggest an edit Similar Villanueva Pavilion, Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro, Casón del Buen Retiro, Calar Alto Observatory | ||
The Royal Observatory of Madrid is a historic observatory situated on a small hill next to the Buen Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain. It was completed in 1790 and took over some of the work previously done by the naval observatory on the south coast.
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It is the seat of the Spanish National Astronomical Observatory and the Observatorio Geofísico Central, both administered by the National Geographic Institute (via its department of Astronomía, Geofísica y Aplicaciones Espaciales).
Madrid is affected by light pollution and is not a good location for optical astronomy. Conditions for astronomical seeing are much better in other parts of Spanish territory, notably the Canary Islands, the second-best location for optical and infrared astronomy in the Northern Hemisphere, after Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii.
Architecture
The observatory was designed by Juan de Villanueva, architect to Charles IV of Spain, It represents one of the highlights of Spanish neoclassical architecture. Its domed lantern was conceived as a classical circular temple.
Equipment
Shortly after construction, the observatory was equipped with a 25-foot reflecting telescope by William Herschel. The instrument was dismantled in the Peninsular War and only partially survived. It has been reconstructed in recent years and can be viewed along with other historic scientific equipment. There is also a library.