Viganella

Viganella is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 120 kilometres (75 mi) northeast of Turin and about 30 kilometres (19 mi) northwest of Verbania. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 185 and an area of 13.7 square kilometres (5.3 sq mi). Viganella borders the following municipalities: Antrona Schieranco, Calasca-Castiglione, Montescheno, Seppiana. Winter lighting Due to the mountains the town does not get direct sunlight for 83 days a year. To remedy this, in November 2006 the town set up a giant mirror with adjustable, computer-controlled orientation on the mountainside, consisting of 14 sheets of steel which together are 8 metres (26 ft) wide and 5 metres (16 ft) high. The mirror functions as a heliostat, tracking the sun so that sunlight always reflects onto the town square. The mirror was built at a cost of €100,000, or approximately €540 per resident. The town was featured in a 2009 Italian/Canadian film called Lo Specchio (The Mirror). Demographics References ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat. ^ a b "Brilliant idea: mirror lights up village". The Times, UK. 12 November 2006. ^ BBC picture External links Official Viganella site (In Italian) Trailer for 'Lo Specchio' Articles about Lighting Solution: Article 1, Article 2