Sanatorium Padre Bento, Medical sanatorium in Guarulhos, Brazil
Sanatorium Padre Bento is a medical facility in Guarulhos that combines hospital wards, residential buildings, and recreational spaces across a large property. The complex includes an Art Deco-style building from the 1930s that serves multiple functions for patients and staff.
This institution was founded in 1931 as a facility focused on mental health care and later became a specialized center for treating Hansen's disease patients under state administration. This shift in medical focus shaped the facility's development over decades.
The on-site theater, designed by engineer Francisco Palma Travassos, was built to offer patients access to music and artistic performances during their stay. It reflects the founders' belief that creative activities could support the healing process.
The property is accessible to visitors who wish to explore the architecture and grounds, though it remains an active medical facility. It is best to visit during regular hours and follow any guidance from staff, as the site continues to operate as a working hospital complex.
The complex has become notably recognized for its eye care services, conducting a substantial number of ophthalmological examinations and surgical procedures annually. This specialized focus represents an unexpected evolution from its original purpose.
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