Forsaken Fortunes: Obscenely Opulent Abandoned Structures
15. Durán Sanatorio
Location: Potrero Cerrado, Costa Rica
Year Established: 1918
Building Costs: $100,000–$300,000
In 1918, Carlos Cartin, a dedicated politician and physician from Costa Rica, founded Sanatorio Duran, a tuberculosis recovery hospital, driven by the desire to help his ailing daughter. Located in the serene rural landscape of Potrero Cerrado, the sanatorium was designed to harness the benefits of natural light, fresh air, and mild temperatures, all crucial for the recovery of tuberculosis patients.
Tragically, despite Cartin's efforts and the establishment of this healing environment, his daughter did not survive her illness.
In conclusion, Sanatorio Duran stands as a poignant testament to a father's love and the historical struggle against tuberculosis in Costa Rica. While the hospital’s primary purpose was to provide care and recovery, it also symbolizes the deep personal loss experienced by Cartin, making it a significant landmark in the region's medical history.
Following the death of Carlos Cartin's daughter, Sanatorio Durán continued its operations, staffed by dedicated sisters from the charity Santa Anna. Over the years, the hospital became a refuge for many tuberculosis patients, but it also gained a darker reputation. The grounds are rumored to be haunted by the spirits of the sisters who cared for the ill and the children who tragically succumbed to the disease.
In addition to its role as a tuberculosis recovery hospital, Sanatorio Durán was also utilized as a mental asylum, adding layers to its complex history. Today, it is reputed to be one of Costa Rica's most haunted hospitals, attracting those intrigued by ghost stories and the paranormal.
In conclusion, Sanatorio Durán serves as a haunting reminder of the struggles faced by patients and caregivers alike. Its storied past and eerie reputation continue to captivate the imagination, making it a significant site in the landscape of Costa Rican history and folklore.
