The Round Tower

The round tower is Europes oldest still functioning observatorium. It dates back to 1642 and is 40 meters (131 feet) tall, at its highest point. It was built after the death of the famous danish astronomer Tycho Brahe to improve conditions for studying the planets and the stars. The first good telescope was constructed in the early 1600s and radically improved our ability to see stars and planets. This field of study was of practical significance for the shipping industry, in improving navigation, but it also fueled the discussions on whether the earth or the sun is in the center of the universe.