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What are the Temples of Humankind? -

The Temples of Humankind are an underground temple complex. The complex is built 30 meters (100 ft) deep, across five levels.

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Where are the Temples located? -

You will find the Temples of Humankind in the Alps. More specifically, in the Valchiusella Valley near Turin, Italy.

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Who built the Temples? -

The Temples of Humankind were built by the Federation of Damanhur, also known as simply Damanhur. This commune describes itself as an “international community of spiritual researchers, pushing the boundaries of perception.”

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Damanhur -

Damanhur means "the city of light." The Federation of Damanhur has around 800 members, and around 600 of these live onsite.

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Damanhur -

Damanhur was founded in 1975 by Falco Tarassaco (born Oberto Airaudi). The design of the temples were based on Tarassaco’s visions.

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Vision -

In August 1978, Falco Tarassaco and a group of people witnessed a bright and slow light moving across the sky with a gold dust trail. He interpreted it as a sign, and the Temples of Humankind project started shortly after.

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Building the Temples -

Construction of the Temples started in 1978, and took around 15 years to complete. While the Federation of Damanhur didn’t have many followers back then, the number substantially increased over the years.

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It was a covert operation -

The construction of the Temples was conducted without the knowledge of the Italian government.

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It was a covert operation -

"When there was maybe loud work going on, we would play records. If somebody happened to hear, they would think we were just having a party," said the spokeswoman for the Temples of Humankind, Esperide Ananas.

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Best-kept secret -

This was until 1992, when a prosecutor and the police showed up at the Temples. They were very impressed, indeed. And the good news is that you can witness its beauty too, as the Temples are open to the public.

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Process -

The tunnels were excavated by hand, which attests to the perseverance and patience of those who built it.

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They are part of something bigger -

The Temples are part of the “Synchronic Lines,” which are a kind of energetic network around Earth. It acts as an antenna, connected with other temples and sacred sites across the planet.

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Rooms -

The complex comprises eight temples; each of them represents a particular spiritual belief.

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Temples -

The Temples are “dedicated to the Awakening of the divine within every human being.” Now, let's take a look at the Temples.

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Hall of Victory -

The Hall of Victory is located in the deepest point of the complex. The Hall's main theme is "the spiritual victory of humankind and its consequent enlightenment."

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Hall of Victory -

On the walls you'll find landscapes, humans, animals, and plants, living in harmony. If you look up, you'll see a recreation of the constellations of 22,000 years ago. These are all celebrations of life.

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Hall of the Earth -

This Hall is "dedicated to the forces of Nature and the masculine principle as a driving, fertile force." What's more, "this Hall celebrates humankind entering forms and time."

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Hall of the Earth -

In the Hall, you'll find eight adorned columns made of white ceramic. The Tiffany glass portal (on the right) represents the masculine principle of the Sun. On the opposite side there is one dedicated to the feminine principle: the Moon portal (previous slide).

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Hall of Metals -

This Hall is dedicated to "inner alchemical transformation." It links a specific metal to each stage of human development. It's all about "spiritual evolution by overcoming of our human limitations."

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Hall of Metals -

From references to early age (which is linked to iron), to old age (which is linked to gold), the Hall symbolizes human alchemy through the various stages.

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Hall of Metals -

The human figures on the floor portray our limitations, while the ones of the walls depict the act of freeing ourselves. On the ceilings, those achieving higher spiritual levels are portrayed.

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The Blue Temple -

This was the first Hall to be built in 1978. It's "dedicated to pragmatic idealism and the discovery of the potential within all human beings." The floor mosaic represents the Star Tarot Card.

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The Labyrinth -

The Labyrinth is dedicated to "harmony between the divine forces of the planet, respect for all belief systems, peaceful relationships among all peoples."

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The Labyrinth -

Numerous divine forces are depicted on the walls and windows. The statues represent the Guardians of the Labyrinth.

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Hall of Water -

This Hall is dedicated to "the feminine principle, to knowledge and memory." Inside its womb-like architecture, you'll find symbols from 12 ancient alphabets on the walls.

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Hall of Spheres -

You will find the Hall of Spheres right in the middle of the complex, as a point of contact with the subtle planetary energies. According to the Temples website, "the Hall of Spheres is placed at the intersection of four Synchronic Lines, the great energy flows surrounding our planet. Here, it is possible to send and receive messages that are valuable for the evolution of humankind."

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Hall of Spheres -

It features nine lit spheres, which represent the "maximum concentration of elements and memories that can allow us to contact the subtle forces of our planet and the universe."

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Hall of Mirrors -

This magnificent room is dedicated to "the air, the solar Forces and the reunification of humankind as a human, spiritual and divine principle."

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Hall of Mirrors -

Its windows and mirrors make light diffuse and reflect, creating a unique atmosphere. The large Tiffany stained-glass dome illuminates the Hall beautifully. 

Sources: (The Temples of Humankind) (Damanhur) (ABC News) (Grunge) (Atlas Obscura)

See also: Incredible Hindu temples: architecture of exquisite beauty

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