Pampilhosa da Serra, the municipality with the most “transparent” sky in the Central Region, is the chosen background for the launch of the initiative “The Coimbra Region’s Sky”, promoted by the Coimbra Region Intermunicipal Community, and which is therefore part of the International Dark Sky Week.
The event, scheduled for 10 April, is part of the commemorations for the Day celebrating the Municipality and the development strategy for the Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto initiative, and marks the official launch of the itinerary of observation sites and of a star photography exhibition, which can be viewed in gallery 1 of the Monsenhor Nunes Pereira Building. A cooperation protocol will also be signed between the Ministry of National Defence, the Municipality of Pampilhosa da Serra, the Institute of Telecommunications of the University of Aveiro and the TICE.PT Association, to develop observation facilities in the area of situational knowledge of space. As such, and also during the month of April, training activities for public and private agents will start, thereby enabling the local economic fabric to work to this end, taking into account the specific aspects of astrotourism. These actions are promoted by ADXTUR - Schist Villages Tourism Development Agency and the Dark Sky® Alqueva Association.
Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto has been internationally certified as a Starlight Tourist Destination. The project is led by ADXTUR - Schist Villages Tourism Development Agency in partnership with the Alqueva Dark Sky® Association and is co-promoted by the Intermunicipal Community of the Coimbra Region. Completing the network of initial partners are the Institute of Telecommunications at the University of Aveiro and the University of Porto’s Faculty of Sciences. Along with the excellent conditions of visibility, transparency and darkness of the sky, this certification also attests to the commitment established between public, private and scientific entities, as well as the readiness and quality of tourist services, amplified by the genuine interest of the resident community.
Foto: Miguel Claro
