Astronomical Observatory of the autonomous Italian region of Val d'Aosta was opened in 2003 in the town of Saint-Barthélemy at an altitude of 1675 meters above sea level. This location was chosen because of the low level of air pollution and at least 240 nights a year of quiet, suitable for observing the sky. Today the observatory is a unique institution in regard to its functions and instruments used. The equipment with the latest technology allows to carry out research here at the highest level. It also is involved in a variety of educational programs for teachers and students of the local schools. The structure of the observatory includes a meteorological center, physics laboratory, computer class. There is implemented training program, consisting of two exhibitions and a series of illustrated panels tell about the solar system.

In 2008, the observatory was equipped with a planetarium, designed for educational conferences, educational tours and other activities in the field of astronomy. Planetarium consists of the scientific buildings and structures with a dome with a diameter of 10 meters, with which you can observe all celestial bodies - constellations, planets, nebulae and galaxies. You can reproduce the movement of the celestial sphere, in order to better understand the process of the Earth's rotation, and observe the sky in different periods and in different places. Total in the screening room of the planetarium can accommodate 67 people. Every year in September, held colorful festival "Star Party", which is organized in the framework of a series of thematic conferences, special events and sessions observing the night sky.