Observatory in the Past
Historical development and significance of Pula Observatory throughout centuries
Naval Observatory in
Pula
(Marinesternwarte) Austro-Hungary
The Naval Observatory in Pula was founded in 1869 as one of the departments of the Imperial and Royal Hydrographic Office of the Navy (K. und K. Hidrographisches Amt), after the city became the main Austrian naval port in 1853. Already in 1871, a purpose-built building for the Hydrographic Office was erected on one of the city's hills, Monte Zaro.
Photograph of the new building of the Pula Hydrographic Office (Observatory) on Monte Zaro (photo: Erminio Mioni).
The beginnings of the Pula Observatory can be traced back to 1840 at the Naval Observatory in Venice, which operated within the Austrian Naval Academy. After the war events of 1848, Austria closed the Naval Academy in Venice and established a new Naval Academy in Trieste in 1850, which included an Observatory.
With the founding of the Hydrographic Office in Pula in 1869, part of the inventory from the Trieste Observatory was moved to Pula Observatory. The Office had four departments: Observatory, Repository of Nautical and Physical Instruments, Repository of Nautical Charts, and Naval Library.
The Naval Observatory had four services: Time Service, Chronometer Service, Meteorological Service, and Geomagnetic Service. Very modern instruments for that time were used.
The Pula Imperial and Royal Naval Observatory (K.u.K. Marine Sternwarte) is the oldest astronomical institution in the territory of the Republic of Croatia.
Thanks to the exceptional efforts of the Austrian astronomer Johann PALISA, in ten years (1871-1880), the Naval Observatory in Pula entered the permanent list of eminent world astronomical observatories. As many as 28 new asteroids were discovered and recorded, one of which was named "Istra".
Besides Palisa, significant names include Ivo BENKO, Bernhard WALTER, Spiridion GOPČEVIĆ (Leo Brenner), Oton KUČERA, and Niko MILIČEVIĆ.
Appearance between the two world wars
Interwar Period
The fate of the Observatory after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the occupation of Istria by the Italian military force coincides with the general stagnation of the city of Pula. Astronomical instruments and the library were moved to Trieste and other Italian cities, and the Pula Hydrographic Institute was renamed the Italian Royal Hydrographic Institute. Meteorological and geomagnetic observations were conducted, while astronomical ones completely ceased.
Preserved northeastern wing
World War II and Destruction
In 1944, the Anglo-American air force destroyed the Institute building during the bombing of Pula. Only part of the northeastern wing remained partially preserved.
After renovation in 1947/48, a meteorological station was located there. In 1973, the Astronomical Society "Istra" was founded, which resumed astronomical observations in 1982.
Post-war Period and Restoration
Since the return of astronomers to the Pula Observatory, enormous efforts have been invested in its restoration:
- 1999. Main dome system restored (with the help of "Uljanik" shipyard).
- 2006. Observation terrace built.
- 2009. Terrace, facade, and surroundings completely renovated.
Current appearance of the Observatory