Damanhur’s story began in the '70s in Turin, in a setting of conferences and research groups. It was in this environment that Oberto Airaudi, known as Falco Tarassaco, proposed the idea of creating a community. After years of meetings and reflections, in 1980, the group found suitable land near Turin and started the first settlement.

By 1985, the community had grown to 150 members. From the very beginning, the ecovillage defined itself as a laboratory of ideas, constantly evolving and dedicated to exploring innovative concepts in fields ranging from spirituality to agriculture.

Over time, Damanhur has become an unprecedented social and spiritual experiment, aimed at fostering personal growth, promoting sustainability, and pushing the boundaries of cultural innovation.

The Structure of the Community

Damanhur is organized with a complex structure that includes its own complementary currency, an internal political system, and various community projects. The community is built on principles of brotherhood, solidarity, and personal growth. Each member has private space but is also involved in community activities that encourage both individual and shared development.

One of Damanhur’s most intriguing aspects is its internal political system, which combines sociocracy and participatory democracy. Decisions are made through a consensus process, and internal elections assign key roles to individuals with a strategic vision for the common good.

Damanhur’s Temples of Humankind

The Temples of Humankind are undoubtedly the beating heart of Damanhur and one of the most fascinating and renowned elements of the community. This extraordinary underground complex was entirely hand-carved and decorated by members and visitors over the years. The temples have sparked curiosity and debate in Italy and worldwide, representing a tribute to humanity and spirituality expressed in all its forms.

Their story is as captivating as it is debated. Construction began secretly in the 1980s, with members digging directly into the mountain near Vidracco. The project, initially deemed illegal, was discovered by local authorities during a search in 1992. At that time, the ecovillage faced the risk of seeing this unique masterpiece destroyed.

Thanks to legal battles and support from international figures, the temples were preserved and later legalized. Today, the Temples of Humankind are recognized as one of the world’s seven underground wonders and attract visitors from all over the globe.

Each hall is dedicated to different aspects of life, knowledge, and spirituality, from the physical world to the quantum realm. Among the most iconic spaces are the Hall of the Earth, which honors the diversity of the Planet; the Hall of Victory, celebrating knowledge, philosophy, and human progress; and the Labyrinth, a symbolic connection among the world’s cultures through artistic representations of their symbols.

Damanhur’s Economic Model

Damanhur’s economic model, developed over three decades, blends free entrepreneurial initiative with cooperation and sharing. Here, wealth generation is seen not as accumulation but as a resource to realize collective projects, expressed in housing, land, services, and artistic initiatives.

Residents earn income within the community through cooperative enterprises, autonomous activities, or employment, managing their earnings independently. Those who provide unpaid services to the community receive economic support from other members, while daily expenses are shared within “community nuclei.”

Additionally, Damanhur generates revenue through tourism, courses, events, and local commerce. The DES project promotes ethical investments within cooperatives and other forms of mutual aid. A complementary currency, the Credito, facilitates exchanges and strengthens the local economy. An innovative example is the transformation of a former Olivetti factory into a multifunctional center featuring a bio-market, medical center, and conference spaces open to everyone.

Properties are collectively owned through cooperatives, and members who leave the community can withdraw the value of their shares.

Daily Life in Damanhur

Living in Damanhur means being part of a dynamic and ever-evolving community. Every day, members are involved in various community activities, from maintaining the temples to managing the multitude of agricultural, artistic, and cultural projects.

The community places great importance on respecting individual choices. Each person has the freedom to participate in preferred activities and make personal decisions. This flexible and respectful approach creates a harmonious and inclusive environment.

Criticisms and Stereotypes

Despite its achievements, Damanhur has faced criticism and sparked debates about resource management, the economy, and spirituality. Some critics fear that resource management and hierarchical structures might limit members’ autonomy, raising concerns about overly tight control. Others have questioned financial transparency, while some have scrutinized the nature of its spiritual practices.

However, Damanhurians reject these accusations, emphasizing their openness to change and dialogue. For them, Damanhur is an experiment in coexistence based on cooperation and consensus, where rules are the result of voluntary, conscious, and shared decisions.

In a Nutshell

Damanhur is a social, cultural, and spiritual experiment located in Vidracco (Turin), born in the 1970s from the vision of Oberto Airaudi. For over three decades, this ecovillage has promoted an alternative lifestyle and demonstrated how a community can thrive on principles of solidarity, spiritual evolution, and innovation. If you’re curious to explore a constantly expanding communal way of life, Damanhur might just be the place for you!