In the middle of the Tatra National Park in Slovakian village called Nový Smokovec there is the Specialized Medical Institute for Respiratory Diseases - Royal Palace.
In 1917, tuberculosis spread among people. Dr. Nicholas Szontagh had an effort to build a medical institute so he could treat all people. Due to lack of finances, the construction was completed in 1925. It was called Palace - sanatorium and associated sanatoriums of Dr. Szontagh. It had 50 beds for the patients.
Among the main figures who contributed to the construction were the factory owner and the owner of the tannery, Mr. Peter Hubka and the architect of the place, Mr. Milan Michal Hamrinc, who also designed the Carlton Hotel in Bratislava, Slovakia.
The global economic crisis was the reason for the later sale of the sanatorium to the General Pension Institute. The new owners later renamed the building - it was called the Sanatorium of the General Pension Institute, it was modernized, the owners increased its capacity to 222 beds and added new medical facilities, a park and a colonnade. It was reopened in 1935.
In 1948 the sanatorium was nationalized, the capacity increased to 380 beds. The decline of tuberculosis cases has caused the sanatorium to specialize in other lung diseases.
After privatization in 2002, Tatrasan company became the new owner of the building with the aim of reconstructing it in cooperation with various financial partners. Conditions for treatment began to tighten over time, which had an impact on the rapid decline of patients. The closure of the sanatorium was necessary.
Today, this 100-year-old enchanting icon of High Tatras, which the locals call "Penzak," has a bright future ahead. The newest owners - Royal Palace company has an ongoing project that is progressing successfully and it might help to reopen this beautiful place again.
The video contains footage from both the exterior and interior of the Royal Palace Sanatorium.
13 окт 2024
