Creepy secrets: Discover the abandoned psychiatry of Volterra!

Creepy secrets: Discover the abandoned psychiatry of Volterra!

Volterra, Italien - Summer time is just around the corner and many people start planning their vacation. No matter whether by car or the plane - the trend towards extraordinary travel destinations increases. “Lost Places”, ie abandoned places that have an uncanny fascination, are particularly popular. Such a place that has become more and more in focus in recent years is psychiatry in Volterra, Italy.

Volterra, a city in the picturesque Tuscany, houses the Ospedale Psichiatrico, which was founded in 1888 near the San Girolamo monastery. At the beginning, the institution native to about 100 patients, but in the course of the 20th century the number of occupants rose to thousands, often against their will. The conditions in the clinic were catastrophic and included practices such as electric shock therapies, insulation cells and compulsory fixations.

The dark history of the institution

The closed institution is an example of cruel treatment methods that ultimately led to their closure. Before the closure, the Ferri pavilion, a judicial department, was overcrowded with up to 6,000 patients. The diagnoses ranged from depression to schizophrenia to politically motivated offenses. In the 1950s and 60s, the institution became one of the largest in Italy with over 100,000 cubic meters.

Current situation and visitor instructions

The Ospedale Psichiatrico di Volterra is now considered a coveted Lost Place, but also attracts numerous tourists who are interested in the dark history. Unfortunately, a visit to the main building is not possible due to the risk of collapse. Only the modernized outbuildings are still used by the local hospital. The institution has been closed to the public since July 2020, which is reinforced by its mysterious aura.

In a time when interest in abandoned locations increases, Volterra with his tragic past remains a fascinating travel destination for adventurers and those interested in history. The history of the Ospedale PSICHIATICO is not only a reminder of past errors, but also an indication of the need for reforms in psychiatric care.