The planetarium at Tamassos and Orinis, which was officially inaugurated on Saturday night, is the first of its kind in Cyprus and the biggest observatory to be found in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Boasting a series of cutting-edge technologies and interactive spaces, it is the newest pillar for astro-tourism in Cyprus and a place for combining science education and entertainment. And, of course, it’s a must-visit venue for space lovers.

With its Planetarium Dome ready to host interactive shows on an array of topics, a novel technological experience via the VR360 room, and a VR game simulator in its basement, the indoor space of the planetarium is filled with fascinating journeys into space.

And outside is one of the most modern robotic telescopes in Cyprus, where you can study and observe the sun and solar activities with its helioscope – an especially ripe opportunity for those interested in researching solar storms, which are in prevalence this year.

The planetarium also hosts a café, a restaurant, and an open-sky amphitheatre, making it an ideal place of community and connection, where families can spend a meaningful afternoon, academic institutes can host workshops or local organisations can host cultural activities.

The aims of the planetarium are “to introduce people to the marvels and mysteries of science, be it adults, teens or children. It is open to all,” said the CEO Christos Triantafyllides.

By bridging the worlds of education and entertainment, through the ‘educatement’ approach, the Cyprus Planetarium has created fruitful grounds for multifaceted, interactive learning about space, showcasing how we can be entertained through education and be educated through entertainment.

There are plans to collaborate with the education ministry to cooperate with schools, providing Cypriot youth a place to “come in touch with their fantasy and the extraordinary”, said the Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos who provided the land for the planetarium.