The Victorian-era camera obscura on Douglas Head is reopening for the first time since 2019, having been closed because of the pandemic.

The 129-year-old tourist attraction will open this weekend, from 1-4pm on Saturday (July 3), 11am-4pm on Sunday and on Tynwald Day from 1pm to 4pm.

Named the Great Union Camera Obscura, it is run by volunteers from the Isle of Man Victorian society.

A spokesperson for the society said: ’Last year we were caught up with the major lockdown, restrictions on visitors having to self-isolate and a lack of vaccinations.

’With the changes in regulations for entry in to the island this week, plus several of our volunteers having had both their vaccinations, we are going to open for a trial run this weekend.’

The statement continued: ’We will keep a vigilant eye on the number of Covid cases in the island in the ensuing weeks, as our volunteers come in to close contact with those visiting this great Victorian attraction, and we don’t want to put anyone at risk.’

The obscura is offering a unique way to see the surrounding area and an opportunity to spy on fellow tourists.

It is unique among camera obscuras in the world as it has 11 lenses.

Unlike other structures, which were built for astronomical purposes, the Isle of Man’s camera obscura was built in 1892 purely as an attraction for the flourishing Manx tourist industry.

The masterpiece works by using a series of mirrors and lenses which are located around the roof line above a darkened room.

Views of the surrounding area are then projected onto a circular table which has been separated by partitions to give 11 moving colour pictures of the 360 degree view which includes Douglas harbour, the lighthouse and horizon.