The hamlet of Viganella, today part of the municipality of Borgomezzavalle, lies halfway up the slope in the narrowest part of the Antrona Valley. Especially in the colder months, this position doesn’t allow the sun’s rays to warm up the beautiful stone buildings in the town.
Until 2006, from 11th November to 2nd February each year its inhabitants were left unable to enjoy a ray of sunshine: 83 days of shade, cold and darkness.
The ingenious idea to alleviate the discomfort of the population was carried forward by far-sighted administrators and technicians who designed and made a special mirror. Positioned at an altitude of 1100 metres (3609 ft), this huge translucent steel mirror today reflects the sun’s rays onto the square in Viganella.
Viganella was the first place in the world to scientifically “change” climatic conditions, artificially bringing the sun where nature had never succeeded before. It is perhaps for this reason that television crews and journalists from all over the world (CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera and many others) came to the Antrona Valley to witness the incredible history of the Viganella mirror.
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