Bratislava's Historic Koch Garden Restored After a Century

A historic garden attached to one of Bratislava's early 20th-century sanatoriums has been restored to its original form, with hundreds of trees and thousands of perennial plants replanted and a former swimming pool transformed into a reflective water feature. The garden was originally designed as an integral part of the Koch Sanatorium, founded by respected physician Karol Koch, who believed — unusually progressive for his time — that physical health was inseparable from mental wellbeing. The garden was not merely a space for fresh air and walks; it included a specially designed sun terrace and other therapeutic features intended to support patients' recovery. The restoration project has revived these original design elements, returning the garden to its historic character as a pioneering example of holistic healthcare architecture in Slovakia's capital.