From hospital to hotel – urban heritage, adaptive reuse and sustainable tourism: the case of the S. Marcos Hospital in Braga, Portugal

Abstract

Built heritage has been analysed concerning sustainable tourism, particularly regarding management and conservation as monuments in face of tourism massification. However, historic buildings can have other functions and be relevant for tourism, as adaptation practices since the mid-20 th century confirm. This paper addresses the issue of sustainable tourism in relation to adaptive reuse of built heritage through a case study that illustrates urban evolution and involvement with distinct stakeholders. It regards the adaptations of the former S. Marcos Hospital, in Braga, in the north of Portugal, since its origins in the 16 th century and throughout history, focusing on the recent transformation into a hotel. The hospital underwent a major reform in the 18 th century. In the 1960s, during the Estado Novo dictatorship, it was enlarged with a modern accoupled pavilion. These facilities functioned as the city’s main hospital until the opening of a new hospital in 2011, leading to dereliction of the historical building. Recently, part of the old S. Marcos Hospital was renovated as a 4-star hotel by Vila Gale , supported by European community funds. The restoration project enhanced the historical building, adapting it to present-day requirements and considering future sustainability. The section from the 20 th century is currently being refurbished as a hospital unit. Pondering an interdisciplinary approach to this subject, the research draws on conservation and management theories of heritage buildings and contemplates its significance for the discipline of Human Geography. The analysis regards the adaptation of a historical building that held particular healthcare functions and observes its “new life”, evaluating this practice in relation to official policies, within the scope of sustainable tourism, as well as addressing the phenomenon of Medical Tourism.