* The author is part of the community of readers of La Vanguardia
Curious, elevated and little known, at least its history. I am referring to the Puigdolena sanatorium in Sant Quirze Safaja, in Moianès, which we discovered today in La Vanguardia’s Readers’ Photos. The poet Màrius Torres spent the last years of his life in this place.
This former anti-tuberculosis sanatorium was converted into a residential center for educational action. It is located on the southwestern slope of Mount Olena, to the left of the Rovireta torrent and to the west of the C-1413b highway, at kilometer point 7.
It was built in 1933. The poet Màrius Torres was admitted from 1935. He wrote most of his work here and died in 1942. The writer Josep M. Castellet and the artist Antoni Tàpies also stayed there.
Sanatoriums were establishments located in places suitable for climatic conditions, where the sick were subjected to a special curative or convalescent regimen.
They were especially intended for the treatment of chronic diseases, such as pulmonary tuberculosis, leprosy, heart, nervous and mental conditions. The name was used above all to designate anti-tuberculosis sanatoriums.
When building Puigdolena, it was taken into account to structure a complex that would be harmonious with the treatment of tuberculosis patients: a simple and pleasant structure that, being neat and hygienic, would project a hospital refuge, as detailed by the Sant Quirze Safaja City Council.
