Brestovac Sanatorium

Brestovac Sanatorium is an abandoned place, a ruin frozen mid collapse. Fascinating and photogenic, but go carefully and with respect.

History and background

Opened in 1908 on the slopes of Mount Medvednica above Zagreb as a state-of-the-art tuberculosis sanatorium, with sunny verandas and fresh mountain air as the treatment. TB declined and the building was abandoned; today hikers and paintball players wander its ruins.

What to know

Brestovac Sanatorium stands in Central Croatia, one of the six regions that make up the Croatia most visitors fall for. From the Adriatic shore to the karst mountains and the quiet inland valleys, this part of the country gives you something worth the detour.

Ruins are unstable. Do not climb on structures, watch for loose masonry and never go in alone. Many of these places are sites of difficult history, so move quietly and take nothing.

Practical info

• Entry: check the official source before you travel. Prices and opening hours change, and some spots close entirely out of season.
• How to get there: Tap the map above for exact directions. In Croatian towns parking is usually signposted and paid, look for the blue P zones. If you are island hopping, leave buffer time for the ferries.

When to go

Croatia is at its best from May to October. June and September are the sweet spot, warm water, long days, and thinner crowds than high July and August. Winter shows a quieter, cheaper and surprisingly handsome country, especially inland and in the cities.

Photograph by John covers Croatia honestly. Every spot here is real, mapped and free to read. If this guide helped, pass it on to someone planning a trip.