Italian village faces three months of darkness due to mountain shadows

The village of Viganella in the Antrona Valley of Italy remains in total darkness for 83 days every winter between 11 November and 2 February. Because the surrounding mountains block the sun, the community of roughly 200 residents experiences a period of prolonged shadow that has historically impacted local life and services.

Former mayor Pier Franco Midali initiated a project in 2006 to bring light back to the village using a large solar mirror.

This device, which reflects sunlight from a nearby mountain slope onto the town square, was designed to help residents socialize during the winter. The mirror weighs 11 quintali and was installed at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. While the mirror does not provide heat, it successfully redirected light to the village and inspired similar projects in Norway. The mirror has been broken since 2023 due to damaged electrical components.

The municipality of Borgomezzavalle plans to repair the device by the end of 2026 with support from Eni Plenitude. This partnership also includes a plan to provide the village with solar energy produced in Sardinia. The community marks the end of this period with a traditional festival called Candelora. During this event, residents gather to witness the first rays of sun returning to the square.

The celebration includes a procession where people carry decorated branches and traditional candles to symbolize the return of light and prosperity to the valley.