Temples of Humankind: Inside the underground psychedelic temple of Italy

In the foothills of the Italian Alps sits the Valchiusella valley. The valley is home to the world's eighth wonder, which was previously buried and remained a secret for 16 years.

8th wonder of the world

The astonishing work of art, 100 feet below ground and concealed from public view, has been compared to the ancient city of Atlantis. Its chambers have been compared to the Egyptian pyramids.

Oberto Airaudi, a writer, clairvoyant, and pranotherapist who was motivated by spiritual psychedelic visions, built it in Vidracco in 1975 (about 47 years back).

Damanhur, an eco society is a self-managed ethical and spiritual organization that has its own currency, own this 8th wonder of the world. The Temples are a spectacle; they're colourful and light-filled with complicated, yet gorgeous structures, corridors, nooks, and hidden chambers.

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Fascinating archaeological facts

1. Damanhur's temples are made up of nine chambers that are divided into five floors
2. Some rooms have 25-foot ceilings
3. 300,000 cubic feet are occupied by the rooms
4. Over a 15-year span, just 150 volunteers worked
5. Designed and directed by a former insurance salesman from northern Italy (now 57 years old)

The meticulous work demonstrates that man can still build something amazing without causing harm to the environment. The Temples of Humanity can be viewed all year round.