A night sky that fascinates , inspires, and makes you dream. Allai , in the Barigadu region, has received significant recognition : it is the first town in Italy to be awarded the prestigious "Village of the Stars" certificate , issued by the Starlight Foundation of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics . This achievement comes after a long process that has led to recognition of the quality of the starry sky and entry into the international network of exceptional locations for quality and stargazing.
The Municipality has therefore decided to invest in sustainable tourism and astrotourism , joining Italy's two "Star Parks": the Saint-Barthélemy Astronomical Park, the Aosta Valley Astronomical Observatory, and the GAL Hassin Center area of the Isiniello Astronomical Park in Sicily. The small village of about 300 inhabitants has formally obtained the prestigious Starlight Certification, the international seal issued by the Starlight Foundation, recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This certification certifies a site's excellent quality in terms of low light pollution, naturalistic richness, and the presence of resources and infrastructure for tourism, scientific dissemination, and observation of the night sky.
The result crowns a four-year journey , during which the municipal administration and the local community worked to reduce the impact of artificial light by redesigning public lighting with a green and sustainable approach. Benches for observing the night sky, equipped with sky maps, have been placed in three characteristic locations throughout the village. Furthermore, with the support of the Unione Sarda Planetarium and astrophysicists Flavia dell'Agli of INAF in Rome and Manuel Floris of the Unione Sarda Planetarium , sky observation events, conferences, and photography workshops have been organized. With this title, Allai enters an exclusive global network, positioning itself as a cutting-edge destination for astrotourism in Italy, offering travelers a true "sanctuary" for observing the night sky, which is increasingly difficult to observe due to increased light pollution.
For Mayor Antonio Pili, "this recognition demonstrates that environmental protection can become a driver of extraordinary economic development, transforming what many considered a disadvantage—isolation and small size—into our greatest strength. Our stars, today, are a certified intangible heritage that will attract cultured, slow-paced, and nature-friendly tourism." This unique experience of nature and the sky is part of a series of unique attractions nestled within a breathtaking landscape, such as the famous public Tree House (the first in Sardinia) and the activities of the Civic Museum (CiMA), which will complement the tourist offering with guided astronomical observation evenings, conferences, and scientific workshops. The Starlight Certification is not a point of arrival, but the beginning of a new era for the village.
(Unioneonline/vf)