Viganella

Viganella
—  Comune  —
Comune di Viganella
Viganella
Location of Viganella in Italy
Coordinates:
Country Italy
Region Piedmont
Province Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VB)
Government
 • Mayor Pierfranco Midali
Area
 • Total 13.7 km2 (5.3 sq mi)
Elevation 1,012 m (3,320 ft)
Population (Dec. 2004)
 • Total 185
 • Density 13.5/km2 (35/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 28030
Dialing code 0324

Viganella is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 120 km northeast of Turin and about 30 km northwest of Verbania. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 185 and an area of 13.7 km².[1]

Viganella borders the following municipalities: Antrona Schieranco, Calasca-Castiglione, Montescheno, Seppiana.

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 m wide and 5 m high. The mirror functions as a heliostat, tracking the sun so that sunlight always reflects onto the town square.[2][3] The mirror was built at a cost of €100,000, or approximately €540 per resident.[2]

The town was featured in a 2009 Italian/Canadian film called Lo Specchio (The Mirror).

Demographic evolution


References

  1. ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.
  2. ^ a b "Brilliant idea: mirror lights up village". The Times, UK. 12 November 2006.
  3. ^ BBC picture

External links