The open air temple. - The Federation of Damanhur; is an eco-society based on ethical and spiritual values situated in the Piedmont region of northern Italy about 50 kilometres north of the city of Turin. Founded in 1975 by Oberto Airaudi Damanhur; Federation of Communities; has about 1;000 citizens; extends over 500 hectares of territory; has a Constitution; its own currency; a daily newspaper; art studios (glass; mosaic; painting; sculpture; ceramics; metal); a center for research and practice of medicine and science; an open university; and schools for children through middle school.They gained fame in 1992 through the disclosure of their secret excavation of an extensive underground temple; the Temples of Humankind; which was begun in 1978 under complete secrecy. The Italian authorities ordered construction work to stop because it had been constructed without planning approval; although artwork could continue. Retroactive permission was subsequently granted.Valchiusella Valley; Italy. 2012. Photo by ERIC VANDEVILLEValchiusella Valley ; Italy. 11/2012. The Temple of Humankind ; hidden in the heart of a mountain in northern Italy is a great underground work of art ; created by the citizens of Damanhur. This magical construction has been called 'The eighth wonder of the world'. Photo by ERIC VANDEVILLE