A Scenic Trek to a Dark History
Just a quick, scenic trek down a road from Rovegno, Italy, leads to the decaying remnants of La Colonia di Rovegno, a Fascist-era mansion with a haunting past. Originally built in 1934 as a summer camp for impoverished children, this estate soon took on much darker roles during the turbulent years of World War II.
Transformation into a “Colony of Horrors”
During the later years of the war, the once-innocent summer camp was transformed by an anti-Fascist faction into a grim prison complex. Displaced civilians and captured soldiers were tortured and killed within its walls. The bodies were either dumped in unmarked graves or left to decay among the forest floor’s dirt and leaves. This brutal chapter earned the estate its chilling nickname, “the colony of horrors.”
Post-War Usage and Decline
After the war, La Colonia di Rovegno returned to its original purpose, functioning again as a children’s camp until it was closed in the late 1960s. In the 1990s, the rooftop terrace saw brief use as an astronomical observatory. However, over the decades, the main building and surrounding structures have been left to decay, suffering from vandalism and the elements. The area occasionally hosts unauthorized rave parties, adding a layer of modern-day infamy to its already dark history.
A Testament to Fascist Architecture
Despite its current dilapidated state and the horrors it witnessed, La Colonia di Rovegno remains a remarkable example of historical Fascist architecture. Walking through its halls, it’s possible to imagine the lives of the children who once spent their summers there, contrasting sharply with the later atrocities that occurred.
Know Before You Go
- Getting There: Start from Rovegno (province of Genoa) along local road SP83. You can reach it by car, bicycle, or on foot, enjoying the scenic surroundings along the way.
- What to Expect: The surrounding woods feature marshland areas and are popular among mushroom and chestnut hunters, photography enthusiasts, and Airsoft fans.
- Safety and Respect: If you visit, be mindful of the environment and the building’s unstable structure, as it does not meet modern safety standards. Respect the site’s history and the natural beauty that now envelops it.
La Colonia di Rovegno stands as a poignant reminder of the past, juxtaposing its initial purpose of joy and learning with the dark days of war. Despite its eerie history, the site attracts those fascinated by its architectural significance and the stories etched into its walls.
