Italian Town That Has Its Own Sun

Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

13 Apr 2024

Viganella, Italy, endures three months of darkness a year due to surrounding mountains blocking sunlight


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

Residents celebrate the return of light on February 2nd with traditional rituals


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

In 2006, a massive mirror was installed on a peak above Viganella to reflect sunlight


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

Designed by architect Giacomo Bonzani, the mirror cost about 100,000 Euros to create


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

It reflects sunlight for six hours daily, warming the town's main square


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

The mirror's positioning and rotation follow the sun's path, directed by a software program


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

Despite not matching direct sunlight's intensity, it provides warmth and light to Viganella


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

The project aimed to combat the isolation caused by cold and darkness in winter


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

Viganella's success inspired similar projects worldwide, including in Norway's Rjukan valley


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

Viganella's project is unique, and it's appreciated hugely by its residents, who will bask in the light of their artificial sun for generations to come


Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

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Image: Reuters 

Image: Unsplash

Image: Instagram/EndlessKnowledge

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