From Brera to Lisbon: Skyscapes, Astronomical Observatories and Meridians

Astronomical observatories, meridians, and skyscapes from 18th-century Italy and Portugal reveal a rich, interconnected history of scientific achievement with lasting architectural implications. The study highlights the pivotal role of Italian Jesuit astronomers in advancing star observation, topography, and time measurement during Portugal's 'golden age' under King D. João V, while also uncovering marginalized yet significant structures like Mafra Convent’s meridian line. By revisiting forgotten observatories—some demolished, others barely documented—the research reactivates these 'places of memory,' bridging crypto-historical gaps and underscoring their enduring relevance to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Royal Building of Mafra.

Estevão Ramos, J. D., & Garcia Pereira, P. J. (2026). From Brera to Lisbon: Skyscapes, Astronomical Observatories and Meridians. Histories of Postwar Architecture, (16), 238–260. https://doi.org/10.60923/issn.2611-0075/21700