The National Observatory in Rozhen is located very close to Pamporovo and is one of the most captivating and interesting places worth visiting. It is the largest astrophysics complex not only in Bulgaria, but also in the whole of Southeast Europe. It was opened in 1981 and is part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and more precisely the Institute of Astronomy. It is not by chance that the observatory is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Rhodopes, on the very ridge next to Mount Rozhen. A few minutes away are the ski slopes of Pamporovo, the historical museum in the pretty village of Momchilovtsi, the Church of the Assumption and many other notable places worth visiting.
The national observatory has several residential buildings for the scientists who work, its own weather station, its own chapel of the Holy Spirit and several beautiful towers on which the high-tech telescopes are mounted. It is at an altitude of 1759 meters above sea level.
Every year at least 10,000 people come specifically to the observatory, and many of them are guests of the numerous hotels in Pamporovo. The observatory reveals a unique sight to the guests – the vast sky, studded with millions of stars and planets, seen through the huge 80 ton telescope – very high class and one of the few that can be used by visitors in general in the world. The complex employs more than 40 people who are specialists in various fields of astrophysics and astronomy – small bodies of our solar system, stellar astrophysics, very serious and interesting studies of the Galaxy and others. Before their eyes, new and unknown comets and stars are discovered every day, which they have the opportunity to name. They use a special computing system that processes the received data as well as a unique telescope based on the Ricci-Chretien-Coudet system.
The Observatory hosts many scientific meetings with scientists from all over the world, as well as various internships and trainings. There is a special visitor center with a telescope for demonstrations as well as a unique display with all kinds of objects related to the amazing science of astronomy. Guests are welcome every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and each group is attended by a lecturer who accompanies the guests and explains everything down to the smallest detail. Unfortunately, the tour does not include observation with one of the powerful telescopes. Unique night visits are organized, which allow, in good weather and if there are no clouds, to see the millions of stars. They are accompanied by special fascinating lectures. If you have not immersed yourself in the amazing world of celestial bodies, it is worth going to the Observatory.