Brestovac Sanatorium: A Haunting Reminder of Lost Love and Forgotten Cures
Explore the haunting ruins of Brestovac Sanatorium, a testament to a tragic love story and a bygone era of tuberculosis treatment, nestled in Medvednica's forest.
Brestovac Sanatorium, located on the slopes of Medvednica Mountain, is a captivating, if somewhat eerie, historical site. Established in 1909, the sanatorium was founded by Dr. Milivoj Dežman as a specialized treatment center for tuberculosis patients. At the time, tuberculosis was a widespread and deadly disease, and Brestovac was one of the first institutions in the region dedicated to its treatment. The story behind the sanatorium's creation is intertwined with a tragic love story. Dr. Dežman built Brestovac in an attempt to save his beloved, a celebrated actress named Ljerka Šram, who had contracted tuberculosis. Sadly, despite the advanced facilities and dedicated care, Šram succumbed to the disease in 1913. During its prime, Brestovac Sanatorium was considered one of the best tuberculosis treatment centers in Europe. Its location on Medvednica Mountain was carefully chosen for its fresh air and serene environment, believed to be beneficial for patients. The architecture of the sanatorium blended elements of a mountain lodge with an English country house, designed to promote healing and well-being. With advancements in medicine and the development of effective treatments for tuberculosis, the sanatorium gradually became obsolete. It closed its doors in 1968 and has been abandoned ever since. Today, the ruins of Brestovac stand as a reminder of the past, attracting urban explorers, history enthusiasts, and those intrigued by its tragic love story. The site is freely accessible, though visitors should exercise caution due to the dilapidated condition of the buildings.
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and the buildings are in disrepair.
- Bring a flashlight to explore the darker corners of the ruins.
- Be aware of paintballers, as the site is sometimes used for paintball games.
- Visit during the week to avoid crowds.
- Read about the history of the sanatorium and the love story of Milivoj Dežman and Ljerka Šram before visiting to enhance your experience.
A brief summary to Brestovac Sanatorium
- Zagreb, Podsljeme, 10000, HR
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Zagreb city center, take a tram or bus to the Mihaljevac terminal. From there, transfer to bus #140 towards Tomislavov dom. Get off at the Šumarske jaslice stop, the second stop from Mihaljevac. From there, it's approximately a 20-minute walk downhill to Brestovac Sanatorium. A single bus fare within Zagreb is around 4-10 HRK. Be aware that the bus service is more frequent on weekends.
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Driving
From Zagreb, head towards Medvednica Mountain and follow the signs for Sljemenska cesta. Continue on this road until you reach Brestovac Ridge. The sanatorium is located just off Sljemenska Road. Parking is available on a small verge nearby. Be aware that Sljemenska cesta is a one-way road. Parking fees, if applicable, are minimal, so have some change ready.
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Gondola
Take the Zagreb Gondola (Žičara Sljeme) to the top of Medvednica Mountain. From the upper station (Tomislavov Dom), it is approximately a 14-minute walk to the Sanatorium. A single ticket for the gondola is around 75 HRK. From the 'Brestovac' gondola station, it's a 9 minute walk.
