Build your own rocket and launch it at Vicenza’s mountain observatory

 

FIND YOUR STORY

A · Build your rocket, launch it and watch it land ↓

B · Astrotombola, astronomy bingo with a rocket finale ↓

C · An observatory with an extraordinary telescope ↓

D · More space adventures in Vicenza ↓

E · How to book your rocket experience ↓

F · Family astronomy experiences FAQ ↓

A · Build your rocket, launch it and watch it land ↓

ASTRORAZZI · AGES 6 TO 14

Building a rocket is one thing. Watching the one you have just assembled leave the launch pad is something else entirely.

At Vicenza's Asiago Astrophysical Observatory, the Astrorazzi workshop invites children to construct a model rocket with the specialists of BT Research, before taking part in a supervised outdoor launch. [1]

A firsthand account published by family travel magazine FamilyGO describes the experience in wonderful detail. Children and accompanying adults assemble a kit with cardboard tubes, rings, plastic fins and a parachute designed to bring the rocket safely back to the ground.

The BT Research team handles the motor and propellant. Once the rocket is ready, children can operate the launch control from a safe distance. After takeoff, the parachute opens and the rocket descends towards the ground. The family who documented the experience even received a young scientist's certificate at the end. [2]

It is a memorable introduction to engineering, flight and a little patience with glue and cardboard.

Previous editions lasted approximately two and a half hours, with launches subject to suitable weather conditions.

B · Astrotombola, astronomy bingo with a rocket finale ↓

ASTROTOMBOLA · AGES 6 TO 11

For younger children who prefer planets and galaxies to assembling a model rocket, the observatory has another rather charming idea.

Astrotombola takes place inside the multimedia dome. Instead of ordinary numbers, the game introduces pictures of planets, nebulae, galaxies and telescopes, which an astronomer explains as they appear. Even the prizes have an astronomical theme.

The finale is a small rocket launch powered by vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. [1][3]

The 2026 sessions lasted approximately 90 minutes and cost €7 per person, including accompanying adults. Children must attend with at least one adult.

For a family holiday in northern Italy, it offers an enjoyable introduction to astronomy, with an actual scientific experiment to finish the afternoon.

C · An observatory with an extraordinary telescope ↓

The setting makes these workshops especially interesting.

A few minutes above Asiago, on the plateau in the province of Vicenza, the Pennar station stands at approximately 1,045 metres, surrounded by meadows and mountain woodland.

Designed by architect Daniele Calabi and inaugurated in 1942, the observatory was built around a telescope with a 122 cm mirror, the largest in Europe when it opened. [4]

The Galileo telescope is still used for scientific research and university teaching, including studies of stellar phenomena, comets and other astronomical objects.

The observatory also organises visits to the historic dome during selected public events, subject to maintenance and programme arrangements. Ask whether a dome visit is included in your chosen workshop, or reserve a separate session. [1][4]

D · More space adventures in Vicenza ↓

The rocket workshops are part of a wider programme at Asiago's astronomical observatory.

Families can also find activities devoted to observing the Sun, discovering the colours of stars, studying comets and watching the night sky.

The summer 2026 calendar included daytime solar observations, evening astronomy sessions and guided walks ending with a visit to the observatory. When conditions permit, some programmes include remote observations using the Galileo telescope. [1]

Each experience has its own dates and reservation arrangements. Check the programme before planning your journey, particularly if you would like to combine a rocket workshop with a separate astronomy visit.

E · How to book your rocket experience ↓

OSservatorio ASTROFISICO DI ASIAGO

Stazione del Pennar, Cupola Multimediale

Via Osservatorio Astrofisico, 8
36012 Asiago, Vicenza, Italy

ASTRORAZZI

Age: 6 to 14 years.

Experience: Assemble a model rocket and take part in a supervised launch.

Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours in previously published editions.

Price reference: The 2025 programme listed €25 for the rocket kit plus €5 admission per person. Confirm the price for the next edition.

Reservations: Directly through BT Research.

Email: associazione@bt-research.com

Telephone: +39 338 2826328

Weather: Launches depend on suitable conditions. Previous programmes confirmed the event approximately two days beforehand.

ASTROTOMBOLA

Age: Especially suitable for children aged 6 to 11.

Experience: Astronomy bingo, celestial prizes and a small rocket launch using vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes during the summer 2026 programme.

2026 admission reference: €7 per person.

Adult supervision: At least one accompanying adult is required.

Reservations: IAT Asiago.

Telephone: +39 0424 462221

Email: info@asiago.to

Observatory enquiries: visite.asiago.dfa@unipd.it

Official University of Padua programme:

https://www.unipd.it/events/un-viaggio-tra-stelle-scienza-e-meraviglia-al-polo-astronomico-di-asiago

Important: The last confirmed summer 2026 dates were 1 and 12 August for Astrotombola and 15 August for Astrorazzi. These editions have concluded. Check for new dates before planning your visit, and ask whether the workshop can be conducted in English.

F · Family astronomy experiences FAQ ↓

Where can children build and launch a rocket in Italy?

Astrorazzi at Asiago Astrophysical Observatory, in the mountains of Vicenza, is a supervised rocket building experience for children aged 6 to 14. Participants assemble a model rocket and take part in a launch organised with BT Research. [1][2]

What happens during the Astrorazzi workshop?

Children assemble a model rocket using a kit with components such as tubes, fins and a recovery parachute. The specialists handle propulsion and supervise the launch. A firsthand FamilyGO review describes children pressing the launch control and watching the rocket descend by parachute. [2]

What is the difference between Astrorazzi and Astrotombola?

Astrorazzi is a practical model rocket workshop for ages 6 to 14. Astrotombola is an astronomy bingo activity, especially suitable for ages 6 to 11, with astronomy prizes and a small vinegar and bicarbonate rocket launch at the end. [1][3]

Can parents participate?

Astrotombola requires children to be accompanied by an adult. Astrorazzi has also been documented as a family activity, with adults helping children assemble their rockets. Confirm accompanying adult arrangements when reserving. [2][3]

Can families visit the historic Galileo telescope?

The observatory offers visits to the Galileo dome during selected public programmes, subject to maintenance. Confirm whether the visit is included in your chosen activity, as arrangements vary. [1][4]

When can I book a rocket workshop in Vicenza?

The observatory has offered Astrorazzi and Astrotombola on selected summer and winter dates. The confirmed summer 2026 editions have concluded. Contact BT Research for Astrorazzi and IAT Asiago for Astrotombola to enquire about upcoming programmes. [1][5]