Exploring Damanhur: A Hidden Gem

Ever since learning about Alex Grey’s magical art and his appreciation for Damanhur I became obsessed with the idea of one day visiting. Well, on my recent tour of Europe I got to do just that. It was only for the day, but it was every bit as magical as I imagined.

SEE ENTIRE PHOTO GALLERY

Photo credit: http://www.damanhur.org/

October 13 – I spent the day at Damanhur on Saturday and I can honestly say it was amazing! Damanhur is an Egyptian word for “City of Light”. Founded in 1975, the Federation has about 1,000 citizens and extends over 500 hectares of territory throughout Valchiusella and the Alto Canavese area in Italy, at the foothills of the Piedmont Alps. Damanhur offers courses and events all year round, and it is possible to visit for short periods as well as longer stays for study, vacation or regeneration. Damanhur promotes a culture of peace and equitable development through solidarity, volunteerism, respect for the environment, art, and social and political engagements

There are about 600 people that live within the community and many more that live around the area. Citizens of Damanhur are known as Damanhurians. The grounds are breathtaking, featuring lush gardens, serene meditation areas, and vibrant buildings. Visitors can explore eco-friendly cabins, a spa, a healing center, an art gallery, and studios for sculpture and stained glass. The on-site jewelry store showcases exquisite handmade pieces, and the solar center highlights Damanhur’s commitment to sustainability. Damanhur boasts organic gardens and solar-powered buildings, but the true highlight is the magnificent temples constructed within the mountain. These awe-inspiring structures are a testament to the community’s dedication and creativity.Every year thousands of people visit Damanhur to try out the social model, study philosophy and to meditate in the Temples of Humankind, that great underground construction excavated by hand by the citizens of Damanhur and which many have called the ‘Eighth wonder of the world’.

Photo credit: http://www.damanhur.org/

The Temple Halls are an underground work of art, a subterranean cathedral created entirely by hand and dedicated to the divine nature of humanity. It is a great three-dimensional book which recounts the history of Humankind through all the art forms, a path of re-awakening to the Divine inside and outside of ourselves.

They started digging out the mountain in 1978, removing 8000 cubic meters of mountain granite, equating to over 2 MILLION buckets of rock! When you walk through these temples, you feel like you are being embraced by Mother Gaia. But that is not all, they have decorated these temple rooms with absolutely amazing art, including stain glass, paintings depicting the history of the world, sculptures, crystal, mirrors, metals, and lighting. Many of the floors have detailed images of animals, plant life, people or gods, using tile pieces no bigger than a small fingernail. The intricate artwork within the temples is composed of hundreds of millions of tiny tiles, each contributing to the stunning mosaics that adorn the floors and walls. The level of devotion to building these temple is mind-boggling. They are truly inspired people of the highest order. They love what they do, they feel it is important to teach the world about the sanctity of life, nature, and spiritual equality. What they are building will last for generations. Despite the remarkable achievements to date, the project is only 15% complete, promising even more incredible developments in the future..

I had lunch with one of the directors of the project, Macaco Tamerice (right) and two other colleagues of the community. While we shared a blessed lunch, we talked about the importance of living close to nature and honoring our spirit. I enjoyed every minute of my visit there and was sad to leave.

A visit to Italy is incomplete without experiencing the magic of Damanhur. This unique destination offers a blend of spirituality, art, and community that is truly unparalleled. While photography inside the temples is restricted, I captured the beauty of the grounds and visitor center, which I’ll share soon. I will post soon.

http://www.thetemples.org/tour/

FAQ

Q: What is Damanhur known for?

A: Damanhur is renowned for its spiritual community, the Temples of Humankind, and its commitment to sustainability and art. It’s a unique destination in Italy that attracts visitors worldwide.

Q: Can you visit the Temples of Humankind?

A: Yes, visitors can tour the Temples of Humankind, a breathtaking underground complex featuring intricate art and architecture. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Damanhur.

Q: How did the construction of the Temples of Humankind begin?

A: The construction of the Temples of Humankind began in 1978, with citizens of Damanhur excavating the mountain by hand. This monumental effort resulted in a stunning subterranean cathedral.

Q: What activities are available at Damanhur?

A: Damanhur offers a variety of activities, including meditation, art workshops, and courses on spirituality and sustainability. Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens and eco-friendly facilities.

Q: How many people live in Damanhur?

A: Approximately 600 people live within the Damanhur community, with many more residing in the surrounding area. The citizens, known as Damanhurians, are dedicated to a lifestyle of peace and creativity.