AN eerie hospital abandoned 50 years ago is thought to be haunted after visitors reported stones being thrown and doors slamming.
Located in the idyllic Morocco mountains, Ben Smime Tuberculosis Sanatorium was a sanctuary for patients – before it suddenly closed.
The sanatorium has now stood frozen in time for decades – ravaged by robbers and scavengers.
And the building is believed to be haunted as urban explorers recall tales of ghostly apparitions and mysterious doors slamming.
There is also rumoured to be a deadly curse on those who dare step foot inside.
The building was originally envisioned by Maurice Bonjean, a wealthy Frenchman.
With plenty of windows to let in natural light and fresh mountain air, the sprawling complex was designed to promote healing.
Construction began on the building in the 1940s and it opened its doors for the first time in 1955.
Laid out across an impressive 40 acres, the facility was one of the largest hospitals in the world.
Equipped with 400 beds, it was supported by a team of four doctors and 32 nurses.
And the Ben Smime sanatorium quickly became a haven for those suffering from tuberculosis.
Some patients travelled from as far as France to receive treatment.
Black and white photographs taken after the grand opening show patients being treated on the balcony.
Patients can be seen basking in the summer sunshine looking out at the splendour of the Atlas mountains.
Sunlight was used to treat tuberculosis before antibiotics were created, as it was believed to kill bacteria and boost the immune system.
Sadly, the sanatorium didn’t stay open for long.
The hospital mysteriously closed in 1975 – and it has been abandoned ever since with no renovations to return the building to its heyday.
There have been many rumours over the years as to why the hospital was forced to close – adding to the building’s already intriguing past.
Some allege the structure became a clandestine meeting place for conspirators plotting against Morocco‘s ruler King Hassan II.
Others blame the Moroccan Ministry of Health for poor management after it took over operations in 1965.
The building has since been left to rot – wrecked by robbers and scavengers who have stripped it of its furniture and equipment over the years.
Recent images taken by a daring urban explorer give a rare glimpse into what the sanatorium looks like now.
The photographs show deserted rooms filled with old hospital furniture, connected by eerie long corridors and winding staircases.
What is a sanatorium?
A SANATORIUM is a healthcare institution focused on the treatment of individuals with chronic diseases, most notably tuberculosis, during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Institutions were often located in rural areas – as fresh air and a tranquil environment were believed to help recovery.
Sanatoriums provided long-term care, combining medical treatments with rest, nutrition, and outdoor activities to help patients get better.
The design of sanatoriums often included large windows to maximise exposure to sunlight and fresh air – which were thought to aid in healing.
The term “sanatorium” has largely faded from use in modern medicine – and has been replaced by hospitals or specialised clinics.
But they played a significant role in the history of healthcare – especially before antibiotics became widely available to treat diseases.
One spine-chilling shot shows a room overflowing with piles and piles of medical records belonging to former patients.
But even in its state of disrepair, the building is remarkably striking.
Arranged across eight floors, the 180-metre-long building sits above the treetops in the middle of an enchanted forest.
But with its shattered windows and empty interior, it’s no surprise that people believe it’s haunted.
And some visitors have reportedly died after mystery accidents at the site.
There have also been talks of giving the hospital a much-needed makeover over the years.
But it seems the curse has a strong hold on the building as all efforts have fallen through.
