Hidden in the foothills of the Alps just north of Turin, lies a small spiritual commune and eco-village called Damanhur. Although it began as a utopian experiment in 1975 with only 24 individuals, Damanhur (Oberto Airaudi and his followers) quickly made enemies of the Catholic Church and Italian government and simultaneously attracted tourists to its Temples of Humankind. While many tourists come to connect spiritually to the temples, their unique construction and design are an attraction simply as strange wonders of the architectural world.

Construction began on the first Blue Temple in 1978 when members of the community began to tunnel into the mountains. After construction was completed on that temple, more underground temples were erected. Although their initial creation was modest, the temples' intricacy has grown markedly in the last 40 years. Today, the walls and floors explode with colorful murals, creating a cross-cultural world of celestial harmony and earthly beauty. The over-stimulating art throughout the temples is wondrously peculiar and could occupy hours of careful analysis and enjoyment.

Along with opening their temples to the public free of charge, the residents of the community also teach courses in sustainability and alchemy.

For those who can't make it all the way to this small town in Italy, the Federation of Damanhur has supporters that have developed centers in Europe, America, and Japan. The federation has its own constitution and currency and members are allowed to join in one of four classes, with each successive one involving further commitment to the group and its well-being.