leprosaria

A leprosarium, also known as a lazaretto or Hansen's disease colony, was a type of institution where people suffering from leprosy were housed. These institutions were established from medieval times onwards, particularly in Europe and Asia, as a means of isolating individuals with the disease. The rationale behind establishing leprosaria was the prevailing belief that leprosy was highly contagious and that segregation was necessary to prevent its spread throughout the general population.

The conditions within leprosaria varied significantly depending on the time period and location. Some were rudimentary settlements with basic shelters, while others developed into more structured communities with chapels, workshops, and even rudimentary medical care. Inhabitants often faced significant social stigma and were largely ostracized from society. Despite the isolation, some leprosaria fostered a sense of community among their residents.

With the advancement of medical understanding and the development of effective treatments for leprosy, particularly multidrug therapy (MDT) in the latter half of the 20th century, the need for large, segregated leprosaria diminished. Many leprosaria were eventually closed or repurposed. While the concept of leprosaria is largely a historical one, the legacy of these institutions continues to be studied in relation to the history of public health, social exclusion, and the management of infectious diseases.