The History of Sanatoriums: A Look Back at a Bygone Era of Medical Tourism

Sanatorium was a medical facility or health spa that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These facilities were typically located in remote areas with clean air, water, and scenic beauty, and were designed to provide rest, relaxation, and treatment for patients suffering from a variety of conditions, including tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, and other chronic illnesses.
Sanatoria typically offered a range of treatments, including fresh air, rest, exercise, and hydrotherapy (the use of water to promote healing). Patients would often spend time outdoors, enjoying activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and gardening, and would also participate in various therapeutic activities, such as yoga, meditation, and music therapy.
Sanatoria were popular in Europe and North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but declined in popularity with the advent of antibiotics and other medical advances. Today, many former sanatoria have been converted into hotels, resorts, or other types of facilities, and some have been preserved as historic sites or museums.