Abandoned Sergo Ordzhonikidze Sanatorium is a famous Soviet sanatorium in the Khostinsky district of Sochi, which has existed for almost a century. It is located on the southwestern slope of Mount Bykhta above the Black Sea. This is an amazing monument of Stalinist neoclassical architecture of regional and federal significance. This abandoned place attracts urban explorers who come here to take a break from the bustling city and admire the magnificent view.
The Ordzhonikidze complex was closed in 2010 for reconstruction. However, a large amount of money is needed for the complete reconstruction, so the sanatorium has not yet been restored and abandoned.
The architecture of the Ordzhonikidze sanatorium
The sanatorium is a large complex of 15 facilities spread over an area of 16 hectares. It has nine buildings, striking in their scale. The ensemble is built around the central building. The building stands out not only because of its location but also because of the central portico with six large Corinthian columns. It used to be a club-dining room. Moreover, an important place in the composition is occupied by a nearby fountain with statues of bacchantes, which, unfortunately, does not work today. There are several more such fountains, only less decorated and large-scale, on the territory of the former sanatorium, and they are rightfully considered the main symbol of the complex.
The side buildings, which used to function as sleeping buildings, have smaller porticos and reach up to 5 floors. The entire complex is decorated with sprawling palm trees, stucco, elegant paintings, and gilding. Each part of the building, and even the stairs, are works of art in the style of the Stalinist Empire.
To slowly explore the entire abandoned Ordzhonikidze sanatorium, you will need a little less than an hour. Here you can walk along the long alleys with established benches. In the past tourists walked to sports or children’s playgrounds and played volleyball there or worked out. However, it is worth remembering that the sanatorium is abandoned, and the necessary equipment is not here, so you will have to take care of it yourself. From the main buildings of the sanatorium, there is a cable car to the local beach. As for today, the funicular does not work, but it is still possible to reach the beach on foot.
The territory of the abandoned complex is very picturesque, and the architecture is unique, which makes a great background for photos. Even feature films were shot here. Therefore, be sure to bring a camera, the pictures will delight you for a long time and remind you of this unique place that breathes history and mystery.
The History of Abandoned Ordzhonikidze Sanatorium
Preparations for the construction of the sanatorium began in 1934 when Sergo Ordzhonikidze chose this site to create a sanatorium for miners, and in 1935 the construction of the main buildings began. Construction under the supervision of architect I. S. Kuznetsov lasted until 1937, and on December 13 of the same year, the sanatorium received the first vacationers. The main fountain, designed by the sculptor Dobrovolsky, was completed in 1939.
During World War 2, an evacuation hospital was organized inside. After the war, in 1946, the sanatorium was transferred to the department of the Ministry of Coal Industry. In 1950, the beach was equipped, and two years later a funicular connecting the sanatorium and the beach was launched. The tunnel for the funicular was punched by the builders right in the rocks. In 1956, a bright event in the history of the sanatorium took place — the feature film “Old Man Hottabych” was shot here.
Since 1962, the Ordzhonikidze sanatorium began to operate as a base, many treatment methods were used here, which are still relevant to this day. In the period from 2005 to 2010, the treatment of cardiovascular diseases was carried out here.
In 2010, the Ordzhonikidze sanatorium was closed for reconstruction. Initially, the reconstruction was carried out at the expense of the state budget, but then the ownership was transferred to a private company. In 2016, the sanatorium opened its doors to visitors for the last time.
Stunning Photos of Abandoned Ordzhonikidze Sanatorium
How to get to the abandoned Ordzhonikidze sanatorium
Due to the fact that the sanatorium is located near Sochi, you can get here very quickly and inexpensively. You can get here by public transport from the airport by buses 105 and 105c, by bus 120 or 121 from the railway station and from Imeretinskaya Bay by bus route 125. You will need to get off at the stop “Sanatorium named after Ordzhonikidze”. The trip will cost you 50–150 rubles, depending on the distance.
The fastest way is to travel by car. From the center of Sochi to the sanatorium, go only 15 minutes along Transportnaya street. If you are not traveling by personal transport, you can use such taxi ordering services as Yandex.taxi, UBER, and Gett. You can leave your car at the entrance to the territory, and the guard will let you walk around the complex.
