Paris and Londres are two intersecting streets in Santiago's most architecturally European neighborhood. The charming buildings are shorter than their European counterparts but the style is unmistakable.
Nowadays, offices occupy these buildings built almost a century ago. But during the first year of Pinochet's dictatorship, the secret military police maintained Londres 38 as a center for detention, torture, disappearing and killing opponents of the regime.
A subtle plaque in front of the building alerts passersby to its significance.
The cobble stoned sidewalk includes plaques with the names, ages, and political association (if any) of the victims.
Interviews with survivors of Londres 38 all shared the same initial memory: seeing a black and white tiled floor through the bottom of a blindfold. In addition to the plaques dedicated to those who were executed or disappeared, the sidewalk has sporadic black and white shiny tiles as a nod to this initial impression. The tiled floor is visible underneath the doorway.
It is chilling to think that one man's quest for power is responsible for destroyed lives and lost future generations. Perhaps more chilling is that this practice continues across the globe. Chile has undeniably made tremendous strides since voting to restore democracy in 1990.
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