The luminescent characteristics of Dy3+-doped Y2O3 nanopowders synthesized using the polyol method are reported. The Y2O3 nanoparticles presented a cubic phase crystalline structure of Y2O3 after an annealing treatment in oxygen ambient at temperatures above 600 degrees C. The averaged crystallite size determined from the X-ray diffraction peaks width was in the 20-32 nm range depending on the annealing temperature. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies indicate the formation of nanoparticle aggregates up to 175 nm in diameter. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence measurements show a predominant emission at 573 nm, which is attributed to the F-4(9/2) -> H-6(13/2) of the Dy3+ ion. The luminescence emission dependence with the dopant concentration and post-annealing temperatures is discussed.