Scientology Restores Villa Where Xenu Story Originated, Historian Weighs In

Scientology leader David Miscavige announces another shrine: The villa in Las Palmas where L. Ron Hubbard dreamed up the Xenu story.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:00pm

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An extreme, abstract black silhouette of an angular, geometric villa structure against a stark white background, conceptually representing the location where Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard conceived the Xenu story central to the religion's secret doctrines.Scientology's latest shrine commemorates the villa where L. Ron Hubbard dreamed up the religion's secret Xenu teachings.Philadelphia Today

One of the surprises at the recent L. Ron Hubbard Birthday event was Scientology leader David Miscavige announcing the restoration of a villa in Las Palmas, Spain where Hubbard allegedly conceived the story of Xenu, the galactic overlord central to Scientology's secret 'OT III' teachings. Historian Jon Atack shares his thoughts on this latest Scientology shrine.

Why it matters

Scientology has long sought to enshrine and sanctify the life and work of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, through the creation of various 'shrines' and 'landmarks' related to the religion's origins. The announcement of this new shrine in Las Palmas, where Hubbard is said to have dreamed up the Xenu story, is the latest example of Scientology's efforts to elevate its founder's legacy and teachings.

The details

According to Miscavige's announcement, the villa in Las Palmas is the location where Hubbard first conceived the story of Xenu, the galactic overlord who allegedly brought billions of his alien followers to Earth 75 million years ago and placed them near volcanoes, then blew them up with hydrogen bombs. This story is a central part of Scientology's secret 'OT III' teachings, which followers are only allowed to access after extensive auditing and reaching certain spiritual levels.

  • Miscavige announced the restoration of the Las Palmas villa during the recent L. Ron Hubbard Birthday event.

The players

David Miscavige

The current leader of the Church of Scientology.

L. Ron Hubbard

The founder of the Church of Scientology, who is said to have conceived the story of Xenu at the villa in Las Palmas.

Jon Atack

A historian and author who has extensively studied and written about Scientology.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's very amusing, if you like to laugh at funerals. I do myself. I do.”

— L. Ron Hubbard

The takeaway

Scientology's continued efforts to enshrine and sanctify the life and teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, including through the creation of new 'shrines' like the restored villa in Las Palmas, reflect the religion's deep investment in elevating its founder's legacy and maintaining strict control over its secret doctrines.