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Damanhur is a spiritual community that has its own Constitution, art, music, culture, currency, and schools. It incorporates science and technology with spiritual principles, openly sharing their knowledge and research with other groups and cultures around the world, who are interested in exploring such themes. Damanhur holds events and hosts thousands of visitors from around the world, holding tours, seminars, retreats, and courses through Damanhur University. The community has attracted interest from scholars, educators, and researchers in the fields of art, social sciences, spirituality, medicine and alternative health, economics, and environmental sustainability.
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When Was It Founded?
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Damanhur was founded in 1975 from the inspiration of Falco Tarassaco, originally born as Oberto Airaudi (1950-2013). His enlightened and pragmatic vision created a reality based on solidarity, sharing, love, and respect for the environment. As a result, Damanhur has slowly expanded into a United Nations award-winning sustainable eco-community. Staying true to Falco's original vision of a community based upon ethical and spiritual values, Damanhur has captivated attention around the world as a laboratory for experimenting with sustainable ways of living, in harmony with nature and its elements and forces.
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Damanhur is perhaps best known for its extraordinary subterranean work of art and architecture, a cathedral known as the Temples of Humankind. It has been profiled on international television as the "Eighth Wonder of The World." This complex was entirely dug by hand into the heart of the mountain. Decorated with mosaics, stained glass, sculptures, wall paintings, and other works of art, it is dedicated to awakening the divine spark present in every human being.
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Damanhur as a Spiritual Path
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While the pursuit of one's individual talents and "ways of service" is always encouraged, Damanhur residents agree that the community as a whole is equally important. The individual is both "I" and "we." As one community, Damanhurians (and any others who wish to join in) recognize themselves as a Popolo Spirituale (Spiritual People).
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Damanhur, the spiritual path...which we call the School of Meditation...leads every citizen through a lifelong process of self-exploration and search for the meaning of existence. This is facilitated through the study of ancient magical traditions and the celebration of the rhythms of nature. On this path, everyone learns to develop their talents and overcome their weak points (and helping others do the same).
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Damanhur has created its own written Constitution, which contains the principles which are the basis for the social and spiritual experience. Damanhur also has a flag, which is yellow with a double square and an infinity sign, and the dandelion flower is a symbol of Damanhur.
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Damanhur as a Sustainable Community
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In 2005, Damanhur received recognition from the United Nation's Global Forum on Human Settlements as a model for a sustainable society. The award was no accident. It was the result of Damanhur's deep respect for the environment as a conscious, sensitive entity and our citizens' commitment to co-existing with the plant and animal worlds (as well as intelligence that inhabits this universe) in a reverent and nurturing way. One expression of this philosophy is Music of the Plants, in which communication with the plant world inspires concerts where the musicians are trees, and plants play music alongside human musicians.
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Damanhur citizens cultivate organic food and livestock and restructure and build according to green building principles. Some citizens have created companies in the fields of renewable energy, eco-clothing, food production, and much more. Damanhurians prefer natural healing methods and a holistic view of wellness, but not to the exclusion of science and medicine. The goal is to appreciate life in all its forms while leaving the lowest possible impact on the environment. Where appropriate, leading-edge technologies are employed as a valuable ally in the defense of health and nature.
