Damanhur

I am far from the first to escape to the Italian countryside. In the 1970s, a group of Italian artists went back to the land much like many of their American hippie counterparts. They started an intentional community called Damanhur.

The foothills of the Alps must have seemed like an ideal location to create your own version of paradise.

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The Earth Altar.

The remote location in an economically depressed area did not prevent harassment from the local authorities. So the Damanhurians were driven underground, literally. They created an underground temple that was gradually expanded into a temple complex. No photos of the temple are allowed, so here is a picture of my postcard.

The times of police harassment have left a legacy that strongly influences the culture of Damanhur. For example, there is no smoking allowed anywhere, even outside.

Here is an example of Damanhurian ‘selfic’ technology. These copper coils act as an antenna to channel energy throughout the building.

The Damanhurians developed their own symbolic communication system, allegedly channeled through ancient spirits or something similar. Here some of the characters are represented on the brick path.

You might not want to put all of your eggs in the same basket, unless they are protected by a ferocious beast like this one.

Each Damanhurian is represented by a clay icon somewhere on the grounds.

This is the place where rituals and celebrations are held.

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