Holidays In Soviet Sanatoriums
Architecturally diverse and ideologically staunch, Soviet sanatoriums were intended to edify and invigorate
Visiting a Soviet sanatorium is like stepping back in time. Originally built in the 1920s, they afforded workers a place to holiday, courtesy of a state-funded voucher system. At their peak they were visited by millions of citizens across the USSR every year. A combination of medical institution and spa, the era's sanatoriums are among the most innovative buildings of their time.
Although aesthetically diverse, Soviet utopian values permeated every aspect of these structures; Western holidays were perceived as decadent. By contrast, sanatorium breaks were intended to edify and strengthen visitors: health professionals carefully monitored guests throughout their stay, so they could return to work with renewed vigor. Certain sanatoriums became known for their specialist treatments, such as crude-oil baths, radon water douches and stints in underground salt caves.
Product details
- Hardback | 192 pages
- 200 x 159 x 22.86mm | 590g
- 24 Oct 2017
- FUEL Publishing
- London, United Kingdom
- English
- Illustrated in colour throughout
- 0993191193
- 9780993191190
