Rattenberg

The proximity of a mountain to the south of the town means that Rattenberg, like many villages nested in steep sided valleys throughout the Tyrol region of the Alps, receives no direct sunlight for much of the winter. It is one of the few places at a significant southerly latitude that experiences a prolonged period without direct sunlight (another is Viganella, Italy), although the sky remains bright while the town is in the mountain's shadow so there is no permanent darkness or 'polar night' as experienced north of the Arctic Circle. == Gallery ==

File:Rattenberg, stadszicht met Ehemalige Augustiner- Servitenkloster en Kirche Sankt Augustinus Dm69821 foto6 2017-08-02 10.55.jpg|View to the town with former monastery and churchtower File:Rattenberg, toren van de Katholische Pfarrkirche Sankt Virgil Dm121560 foto8 2017-08-02 11.11.jpg|Churchtower (Katholische Pfarrkirche Sankt Virgil) File:Rattenberg, Spitalkirche Heilige Geist Dm121572 foto5 2017-08-02 11.20.jpg|Church: Spitalkirche Heilige Geist File:Rattenberg, straatzicht Haussauerstrasse foto1 2012-08-09 10.46.jpg|Street view Haussauerstrasse ==History==

Founded in the 14th century, it was built in the literal shadow of Rat Mountain to protect itself from marauders. Maximilian I had the original town citadel expanded to a formidable fortress. The modern era In November 2005, the town announced they were building 30 specialized rotating mirrors called heliostats to reflect sunlight into parts of the town during the winter months. The $2.4 million operation was suggested by Bartenbach Lichtlabor GmbH, a lighting design company. The EU planned to foot half the bill as of November 2005. However, the project was never implemented. ==Population==

Rattenberg has been known for its glass making. Its abundance of crystal glass shops continue the tradition of craftsmanship. ==See also==