Fontilles, Medical sanctuary in Marina Alta, Alicante, Spain
Fontilles is a medical facility set in a valley of Marina Alta, surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The grounds include research laboratories, hospital facilities, and residential areas, all enclosed within a long protective wall.
The facility was founded in 1909 and began with eight leprosy patients. Support from Valencian philanthropists helped it grow into a specialized medical center.
The archives here hold photographs, medical records, and publications showing how Spain approached leprosy care over many decades. Visitors can see how the facility documented its medical work and approach to treatment.
The grounds are hilly and require good footwear for exploring the various areas. It is worthwhile to allow time for visiting the archives and museum spaces, as they contain important information about the facility's history.
Since 1944, a scientific journal called Revista de Leprología has been published here, focused on leprosy research and treatment methods. This publication helped spread medical knowledge about the disease within the scientific community.
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