Exploring an Abandoned Sanatorium Built by German Prisoners of War

This abandoned sanatorium in Armenia is one of several buildings constructed by German prisoners of war. It not only has a fascinating history but also striking architecture that draws urban explorers from around the world. Let’s take a look inside this remarkable place — despite being looted, it has preserved surprisingly much and left a strong impression on me.

During and following World War II, numerous German prisoners of war were relocated to Armenia, engaging in diverse labor projects. They contributed not only to agricultural endeavors but also to the construction of bridges, schools, factories, and sanatoriums. These structures, recognized for their durability, earned the nickname "German Quality" among Armenians. There were around 16,160 prisoners of war in Armenia.

A historical photo of the sanatorium while it was still under construction.

By the way, among them was an Austrian zoologist, ethologist, and ornithologist named Konrad Lorenz. He was a co-recipient of the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside Nikolaas Tinbergen and Karl von Frisch.

The tourist is enjoying the view from the balcony of the 3rd floor

This sanatorium, which we explored, was also built by German prisoners of war and was named after S. M. Lazarev. Construction began in 1934, but by 1941 only the first floor had been completed. After the war, work continued with the help of POWs who were living on the opposite bank of the river. The architect behind the project was Samvel Safaryan.

Each room has a nice balcony with a view towards the garden full of trees and a pool

The building has four floors with impressive colonnades that give it a unique charm. There was once an open-air bar on the roof. Inside, I found numerous documents—the most recent from 2003—indicating that the sanatorium was operational at least until that year.

The interior is carefully designed, with great attention paid to every detail

Since it was abandoned only recently and had been guarded for a long time, it remains relatively well preserved. Its architectural design and massive scale attract travelers from around the world. This is an ideal location for anyone interested in urban exploration.

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