German popstar Nena recently spent two days at the headquarters of a bizarre sect, which claims to have a working time machine that can only be used naked!
The 49-year-old - best known for pop anthem '99 Red Balloons' - is so fascinated by the Italian 'Damanhur' sect that she has even printed their secret disciple symbol on her new album.
But just how crazy is the communal organisation? And how dangerous could it be?
The group's founder, Oberto Airaudi (59), claims to have the ability to implant the spirits of the dead into newborn babies. BILD sent a reporter to their underground headquarters where there is even a 'naked time travel machine'.
The complex of the Damanhur sect - which was founded in 1975 - lies in the idyllic valley of Vidracco in Piedmont, 40 kilometres north of Turin.
But neighbours in the area fear the 700-member strong group and their colony in the shadow of the mountains.
"Everyone in the village is afraid of them. There are a lot of awful noises. They hunt down traitors. Even if they act as if the temple is a tourist attraction now," one village resident said.
The road to the 'City of Light' is via a narrow street, and sign hangs above the entrance which reads: "The Nation of Damanhur"
Members have founded a town complete with schools and its own currency, and they even use a secret language which only they can understand.
Spokeswoman Esperende Ananas said: "What you see here is a wonderful world which anyone can be in. We don't hide anything"
But disciples guard the entrance to the temple where they keep their greatest secret - a time travel machine.
Developed by founder Airudi himself, the machine can send people through time. Unfortunately the machine cannot transport clothing as well, so time travellers have to climb in completely naked.
Pietro Coticoni, a victim's lawyer, said: "I know that their Gurus make people dependent on them - the women are sexually addicted to them. The cult makes people psychologically dependent."
Nena may want to be a bit careful...
