The Mysterious Isolation Hospital of Comino: A Forgotten Chapter of Malta’s Medical History
Comino may be famous today for its turquoise waters and untouched landscapes, but hidden among its ruins lies one of Malta’s most haunting historical sites — the Isolation Hospital of Comino. Long abandoned and slowly reclaimed by nature, this remote building tells a powerful story of fear, disease, and survival in Malta’s past.
Why Comino Was Chosen
For centuries, isolation was one of the few tools available to combat infectious disease. Comino, lying between Malta and Gozo, was sparsely populated, difficult to access, and naturally separated from major settlements. These qualities made it an ideal location to quarantine the sick without endangering the wider population.
As early as the 17th century, during the rule of the Knights of St John, Comino began to serve as a place of isolation during outbreaks of plague. While the main Lazaretto operated in Marsamxett Harbour, Comino was used for more severe or high‑risk cases, especially when space on the mainland was limited.
From Plague to Cholera
The Isolation Hospital as we know it today developed gradually over time. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the buildings on Comino were being used during recurring outbreaks of plague, cholera, and other contagious diseases that periodically struck the Maltese Islands.
Patients suspected of infection were transported by boat and left on Comino under strict supervision. Once there, they were completely cut off from society. Supplies were delivered by designated crews, and contact with the outside world was kept to an absolute minimum. For many patients, arrival on Comino was both physically and emotionally terrifying.
Life Inside the Isolation Hospital
Conditions within the Isolation Hospital were harsh. Medical knowledge was limited, treatments were basic, and survival was never guaranteed. Doctors and attendants themselves faced serious risk, as protective measures were primitive by modern standards.
The isolation was total. Patients were separated not only from the general population, but often from their own families, sometimes never to return. Those who died on Comino were buried on the island, reinforcing its reputation as a place of exile and despair.
Use During the British Period
During British rule in Malta, Comino continued to be used for quarantine purposes. In the 19th century, particularly during cholera outbreaks, the island once again became a frontline defense against disease spreading through the ports of Malta and Gozo.
By the early 20th century, advances in medicine and public health reduced the need for such extreme isolation. The hospital gradually fell out of use and was eventually abandoned, leaving behind roofless walls, empty corridors, and unanswered questions.
A Place Frozen in Time
Today, the ruins of the Isolation Hospital stand silent, weathered by decades of sun, wind, and sea air. Unlike Malta’s fortified cities or grand hospitals, this site was never restored or repurposed. Its decay adds to its mystery, offering a rare, unfiltered glimpse into a darker side of history — one that speaks of sacrifice and fear rather than glory.
Walking among the remains, it is easy to imagine the boats arriving, the anxious patients, and the long days of waiting with no certainty of survival.
Experiencing Comino’s Hidden History Today
While Comino is now best known for the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, and nearby caves, its historical sites add depth to any visit. Exploring the island by sea allows visitors to appreciate how isolated and strategic Comino truly is.
From Mellieħa and Marfa, Bluewaves Watersports Malta operates boat trips around Comino, offering a unique way to see the island’s coastline, caves, and historic landmarks from the water. Approaching Comino by boat helps place the Isolation Hospital into context — a remote outpost once chosen specifically because escape and contact were nearly impossible.
Safety and Respect
When visiting Comino:
- Respect historical ruins and do not enter unsafe structures
- Avoid climbing unstable walls
- Remember that this was a place of suffering and loss
