Exploring an abandoned sanatorium

During this urbex tour, I'm exploring a 14-story building, once a bustling sanatorium during Soviet times. Today, it stands abandoned, stripped of windows and doors. Only a handful of artworks adorn the walls, serving as poignant reminders of its former glory.

Located close to the capital Yerevan, in a scenic town famous for its mineral water, this place was once home to Armenia’s most prestigious sanatoriums. Visitors from across the Soviet Union came here to relax, recover, and improve their health.

The sanatorium

In the Soviet Union and post-Soviet countries, a sanatorium is a combined resort and medical facility offering short-term rest and medical services, akin to a spa resort. The history of these health resorts dates back to 1920s when the construction of the first sanatoriums started!

Inside, one can come across this wonderful fresco, seemingly created by a professional artist, still resisting the destructive forces of water and time.

Construction of the third sanatorium’s 14-story building began in 1975 and was completed nine years later. Architect: Martin Mikayelyan Engineer: Karlen Ghazaryan The accommodations were luxurious, featuring therapeutic baths section,

numerous recreation rooms, a cinema, and a cozy two-story restaurant accessible via a covered ground passage. Nearby stands an unfinished funicular, originally intended to connect this building with the first sanatorium.

I’m Suren, a professional urban explorer in Armenia. I offer unique urbex tours to abandoned, hidden, and off-the-map places you won’t find in guidebooks. Want a custom itinerary? Contact me on WhatsApp or Telegram.