Sanatorium du Basil

THE HISTORY OF THE BASIL SANATORIUM In the village of Borgoumont in the Belgian Ardennes, an imposing building known as the Sanatorium du Basil stands atop a hill. This site boasts a rich history and was originally built as a tuberculosis sanatorium. In the late 19th century, tuberculosis was considered a fatal disease without proper treatment; consequently, sanatoriums sprang up across Europe in locations offering clean air and tranquility. The initiative to build this particular sanatorium came from Ernest Malvoz, head of the bacteriological laboratory. The building opened in 1903 and admitted its first patients. With the advent of better medications, the sanatorium lost its original purpose. At various times, it served as a hospital and later as a reception center for refugees. Ultimately, high energy costs forced the building to close permanently. Since then, it has been left to decay; it has suffered damage and fallen into disrepair, though it is now part of an urban development project. Although the sanatorium has stood empty for years, it has not yet been demolished; there are even discussions regarding a potential sale. Whether it will ever reopen remains to be seen. Until then, it remains an impressive and mysterious place for anyone who dares to take a look.