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The Astronomical Observatory in Kardzhali is one of the most fascinating and exciting places to visit in the city. It was established by a decision of the District People's Council on September 28, 1966, and in October 1978, the observatory was given a new building in "Prostor" Park, one of the most beautiful and green parks in the city. Since 1998, it has been named after its founder, Slavey Zlatev, who was born on November 4, 1946, in Kardzhali. He graduated from the Faculty of Physics at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," was a founding member of the Kardzhali branch of the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria, and a member of the European Astronomical Society. He was the scientific supervisor of an international project for the development of space instruments and participated in space projects such as "Shipka," "Lima-D-R," and "Phobos." He was also one of the pioneers of archaeoastronomy in Bulgaria. Slavey Zlatev passed away on September 14, 1992. The observatory is open to visitors almost all day. During daytime visits, physicist-astronomers can offer telescope observations of the Sun, while in the evening, under clear skies, visitors can observe stars, constellations, planets, celestial bodies from the Solar System, as well as the movement of various astronomical objects (comets, nebulae, and other Milky Way objects). The observatory is equipped with a 150/2250 mm Coudé refractor (stationary) mounted in the rotating dome of the observation hall, a 150/2220 mm Cassegrain telescope (mobile), and other portable telescopes (refractors), mainly produced by Carl Zeiss Jena. In addition to observing various cosmic objects, the observatory has a conference hall where visitors can watch educational and popular science films related to astronomy. This is a great opportunity to embark on an incredible journey through the vast and mysterious cosmos. In March 2024, the third-largest planetarium in Bulgaria was inaugurated—another shining star in the crown of the astronomical observatory. The planetarium features a 7-meter dome with a unique structure that preserves the building’s original architecture. The project was funded through the national program "Support for Children and Students" (under the Ministry of Education and Science), with additional support from the Municipality of Kardzhali. During the planetarium’s opening ceremony, the director of the astronomical observatory, Agop Uzunbohossyan, emphasized that it is not only a mystery but also a fairytale—one that allows us to uncover the secrets of the Universe we inhabit, while also being accompanied by spectacular light and sound effects. On the front facade of the astronomical observatory’s building, a sculpture by the renowned Bulgarian sculptor Vezhdi Rashidov is displayed. Today, the observatory holds the status of an Extracurricular Educational Institution. It regularly hosts astronomy clubs, lectures for students from schools in the municipality and the region, as well as demonstration and routine astronomical observations. The observatory builds upon the knowledge acquired in school lessons on astronomy, physics, and natural sciences, offering an enriching educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Entrance Fees for the Planetarium:
Students – 2 BGN
Visitors over 18 years – 5 BGN
Visits can be organized by teachers and citizens on a chosen topic, with prior arrangement at least one day in advance by calling:
+361 615 56,
+361 625 95
All demonstration observations are conducted under suitable weather conditions.
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