Sanatoria were hospitals that treated especially tuberculosis at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries. With the advent of medical inventions such as antibiotics, most sanatoria gradually faced demolition. Here are some of the most impressive abandoned sanatoria around the world.
Sanatório Albergaria Grandella in Lousa, Portugal
Sanatório Albergaria Grandella is an unfinished star-shaped structure intended as a sanatorium to treat tuberculosis. The construction process started in 1919; however, the lack of investment and the vaccine (BCG) led to the suspension of construction. Since then. there have been several projects intending to adapt the structure for other facilities. Nevertheless, they all failed, and there was even a public discussion on whether to demolish the ruins. Today, this privately owned ruin is under protection in its current condition.
Beelitz-Heilstätten Sanatorium in Branderburg, Germany
The construction of the Beelitz-Heilstätten Sanatorium took place in 1902 in order to cure tuberculosis patients who were mostly workers living under poor conditions in Berlin. The sanatorium also had a separate train station leading to the large structure in the middle of a forest. It later served as a military hospital during World War II, and then became a Soviet military hospital after the Red Army took over the sanatorium in 1945. Over the decades, the Alpenhaus forest took over the gloomy ruins of the sanatorium.
Sanatorium Imereti in Tsqaltubo, Georgia
Built-in 1961, Sanatorium Imereti served as a spa resort in the Stalinist architecture style. In the 1990s, the sanatorium housed people displaced from their houses due to the conflict in Abkhazia. However, the structure evidently faced disruption in the 2010s.
Sanatorium du Vexin, Aincourt, France
Built-in the 1930s, Sanatorium du Vexin is one of the largest examples of its kind. Initially, it was a cure center for tuberculosis, but it also served as a concentration camp between 1940 and 1942. After the decrease in tuberculosis cases in mid 20th century, the sanatorium undertook a multidisciplinary purpose. During the last few years, the complex has become a victim of vandalism. Nevertheless, a vast real estate project is planned for 2023.
