Virtual Tour of Damanhur
Journey through the underground Temples of Humankind, the Sacred Woods, and the living spaces of Italy's most extraordinary spiritual community — from anywhere in the world.
Begin Your Journey
Tour Introduction
Welcome to Damanhur — a spiritual eco-society established in 1975 in the Canavese valley of northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps. Founded by Oberto Airaudi, known as Falco Tarassaco, this community of over 600 residents has built one of the most remarkable human settlements on Earth.
Damanhur spans approximately 500 hectares of Alpine terrain, including forests, meadows, farmland, and the extraordinary underground temples that have made the community famous worldwide. The virtual tour takes you through the major sites and spaces of this living community in seven stages.
Each stop on the tour includes photographic documentation, architectural and historical commentary, and — where available — 360° video footage shot on location. The full tour takes approximately 90 minutes to complete at a comfortable pace.
The Underground Wonder
Temples of Humankind 360°
The Temples of Humankind are nine interconnected underground halls excavated by hand over thirty years beginning in 1978. Built in secret without official permits, they were discovered by Italian authorities in 1992 and subsequently recognized as one of the most extraordinary works of modern art and spiritual architecture in existence.
Official virtual tour of the Temples of Humankind — a journey through all nine halls with commentary from community members.
The Nine Halls
The Forest Sanctuary
Sacred Woods Walking Path
The Sacred Woods of Damanhur covers 25 hectares of managed mixed forest containing extraordinary stone sculptures, ceremonial clearings, natural meditation spots, and a labyrinthine network of paths used for spiritual walks, ceremonial processions, and community gatherings. The forest is considered a living sanctuary — not a park, but a partner.
Where We Gather
Community Centers
Damanhur's social and administrative life is organized around a network of community centers — large, repurposed farmhouses and purpose-built structures that serve as meeting places, schools, event halls, and administrative hubs for the federation.
Made at Damanhur
Artisan Workshops
One of Damanhur's most distinctive features is its network of artisan workshops producing everything from food and ceramics to Selfic instruments and handmade books. These workshops are both economically productive and spiritually significant — the act of making is considered sacred.
Selfic Workshop
The primary production center for Selfic instruments, jewelry, and artworks. Master Selfic artists work here daily, winding coiled metal forms according to principles developed by Falco over decades. Tour includes a demonstration and opportunity to handle finished instruments.
The Printing House
Damanhur's own publishing house operates from this building, producing books, calendars, card decks, and printed ephemera. The workshop uses both traditional letterpress printing and digital production. Limited edition hand-bound books are produced here exclusively.
The Mosaic Studio
Large-format mosaic production for the ongoing temples restoration and expansion project. Visitors can observe artisans at work cutting and setting tesserae in centuries-old techniques combined with Damanhur's own color and symbol systems. Weekend mosaic workshops open to the public.
Living Spaces
The Nuclei Villages
Damanhur is not a single compound but a network of nuclei — small family units of 15–30 people living communally in converted farmhouses spread across the Canavese valley. Each nuclei is self-organizing and distinct in character, while sharing common values and the federated governance structure.
Porta del Sole
Founding NucleiThe original community house where Damanhur began in 1975. Still an active nuclei with 22 residents, Porta del Sole houses the community's oldest garden, the first plant music recording station, and a small museum of early Damanhur history. Visitors are welcome at scheduled open days.
Olmo
Arts FocusedThe nuclei most associated with artistic production, Olmo houses several of Damanhur's professional musicians, painters, and sacred dance teachers. The community's main recording studio and art gallery are located here. Olmo hosts the annual art fair open to the public each July.
Damanhur Crea
Research HubHome to the Institute for Research in Consciousness Studies, Damanhur Crea houses the community's most laboratory-oriented thinkers and researchers. Several EEG monitoring stations, environmental sensors, and the plant consciousness research apparatus are maintained here.
Go Beyond the Screen
Book an In-Person Visit
The virtual tour offers a window — but nothing replaces stepping into the Temples of Humankind and feeling the extraordinary atmosphere of this living community. We welcome visitors from around the world throughout the year.
Visit Options
4-hour guided tour of the Temples of Humankind and Sacred Woods. Includes lunch at the community restaurant. Daily at 10am.
5-day residential experience including accommodation, meals, guided tours, workshops, and participation in community life. Most popular option for serious visitors.
Full immersion ecovillage design education course. Internationally accredited. Next cohort begins April 2025. Residential or day-student options.