The wind whispers secrets through the shattered windows. We stand before the Sanatório de Valongo a ghost of its former self. This imposing structure once housed hundreds. It offered hope in the face of a deadly disease. Today it stands as a monument to time’s relentless march.
The Sanatório de Valongo officially the Sanatório de Montalto or Sanatório de Monte Alto was a hospital for tuberculosis patients. It’s located in São Pedro da Cova Gondomar Portugal. Despite its location it’s better known as the Sanatório de Valongo. Construction began in 1932. It opened in 1958. However it closed its doors in 1975. The building designed by architect José Júlio de Brito is one of the most impressive of its kind in Portugal. It covers a vast area approximately 88000 square meters. Imagine the scale of this place designed to accommodate nearly 300 patients.
The Sanatório de Valongo’s history is intertwined with Portugal’s fight against tuberculosis. In the early 20th century tuberculosis ravaged the country. The government built several sanatoriums to combat the disease. The Sanatório de Valongo was the last one built during the Estado Novo era. It was carefully situated in the Serra de Santa Justa. The high altitude and isolated location were considered ideal for minimizing contagion. The construction was delayed due to funding issues and opposition from a nearby coal mining company. The opening ceremony in 1958 included a religious service and a tribute to World War I veterans. The initial capacity was only 50 beds but later increased to 350.
The decline of the Sanatório de Valongo began in the early 1970s. Advances in tuberculosis treatment led to the closure of sanatoriums. The Sanatório de Montalto closed in 1972. The final employee left after the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Officially it closed in 1975. The building was abandoned and plundered. Its association with the Estado Novo regime hindered fundraising efforts for renovations. It was even used for firefighter training and paintball games. Sadly fires have further damaged the already decaying structure.
Despite several proposals to transform the Sanatório de Valongo into a youth hostel. These proposals were rejected by parliament. In the mid-2010s an association began a conservation program. This involved cleaning and securing the most dangerous areas. The goal was to improve the sanatorium’s appearance and visitor safety. From the highest floor you can see a breathtaking panorama. This includes views of Porto and Vila do Conde. The Sanatório de Valongo stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era. It is a symbol of both the fight against disease and the ravages of time and neglect. Today it is a haunting yet compelling sight. A testament to a forgotten chapter in Portuguese history.