Villa Baviera: From a Queer Paradise to a Site of Reflection

Wed Oct 22 2025 18:33:40 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A Chilean village, once a cult haven, grapples with its dark past tied to political torture under Pinochet.

The ex-Colonia Dignidad, now called Villa Baviera, faces a controversial government plan to expropriate land for memorialization of victims tortured under the Pinochet regime. While some residents support the creation of a site for remembrance, others oppose the move, fearing it will further victimize them as they reconcile with their traumatic history.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of central Chile, Villa Baviera, once known as Colonia Dignidad, presents a facade of quaint Bavarian charm. However, its history is steeped in horror as it served as a refuge for a secretive sect led by Paul Schäfer, who collaborated with the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Established in 1961, this colony became infamous for its oppressive regime, marked by severe punishments, psychological manipulation, and the sexual abuse of children.

After the military coup in 1973, political opponents were systematically taken to Colonia Dignidad, where they experienced untold suffering in hidden basements, with many never being heard from again. The legacy of Schäfer, who passed away in prison in 2010, still lingers as some German residents attempt to reshape the area into a tourist destination.

In a pivotal move, the Chilean government now plans to expropriate over 117 hectares of this site to honor the victims of Pinochet's brutal regime. This decision has sparked significant debate among the under 100 inhabitants, many of whom are uncomfortable with the historical implications versus commercial interests. Ana Aguayo, sister of one of the regime's victims, advocates for a memorial, insisting that such a disturbing past should not merely be a tourist attraction, but rather serve as a reminder of the horrors endured there.

Contrastingly, former residents like Dorothee Munch express concern that expropriation may exacerbate their trauma, arguing it unjustly targets their community, which continues to deal with the repercussions of Schäfer's regime. Simultaneously, those like Georg Klaube, another former resident, support the memorialization plan, stressing the need for historical acknowledgment of the devastating experiences that took place within the colony.

Minister for Justice and Human Rights Jaime Gajardo emphasizes that turning the area into a state-run memorial is crucial so that the atrocities committed there will not fade into history. As the government moves forward with its plans, conversations around memory, justice, and healing continue to unfold amidst the complex narrative of Villa Baviera’s legacy.