European Gravitational Observatory

About

The European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) sits in the countryside near Cascina, Italy, 10 kilometers from Pisa. At its heart lies the Virgo interferometer, a device built to detect gravitational waves from space. Two vacuum tubes, each 3 kilometers long, stretch across the landscape in an L-shape. Inside these tubes, laser beams bounce between mirrors to measure tiny ripples in space-time caused by events like colliding black holes. During your visit, you can explore the facility through guided tours, which take them through the control room and along the tubes. The site includes a visitor center with displays explaining gravitational waves and the observatory's work. Scientists from across Europe work here, making it a hub for physics research. This exclusive stop can only be accessed by car, as no public transportation goes to the EGO facilities. Please contact EGO ahead of your visit to arrange your guided tour.