Plizio Visual Lab

Apia Old Hospital

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Apia Old Hospital, located in the Moto'otua district, serves as a prominent example of colonial healthcare infrastructure from the early 20th century. Established during the German colonial administration (1900-1914), it was designed to improve medical services for both European settlers and the indigenous Samoan population. The building's architecture reflects the Wilhelminian style of the period, adapted for tropical climates with extensive verandas and high windows to facilitate natural ventilation. Following World War I, the New Zealand administration took over the facility and expanded it significantly, particularly in response to major health crises like the devastating 1918 influenza pandemic. For decades, the hospital functioned as a central training hub for Samoan nurses and medical practitioners. While many of the original wooden structures have been replaced by modern concrete facilities, the site remains historically significant for the evolution of modern medicine in Polynesia. The complex documents the shift from traditional healing practices to Western medical standards across the Pacific region.

Location: Samoa
Top sights: Palisi Catholic Church · Apia International Christian Mercy Church · Lalovaea Sisifos Nature Reserve
Nearby: Vaitele (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	28	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	28
Rain mm	258	241	165	169	128	91	75	56	92	141	213	229

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The old hospital building is a historic landmark that can be viewed from the outside. The interior may not be publicly accessible as it is a former hospital.

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Typical hours

The building is accessible from the outside at any time. For interior visits, there are typically no fixed hours; inquire at the city administration about possible guided tours.

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Photography

Photograph the colonial architecture and the building's facade. Be mindful of passing vehicles as it is located beside a road.

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Time needed

Plan about 10-15 minutes for a short exterior visit. If you join guided tours, allow 30 minutes to an hour.

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Combine with

The building is located in Apia's historic district, near the old library and lighthouse. Combine the visit with a walk through the city's colonial architecture.

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Getting there

The old hospital is reachable on foot from the city center. It is located on the main road; parking is limited on surrounding streets.

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Insider tip

Read the memorial plaque on the building to learn about its history. Combine the visit with a stop at the nearby cemetery for further historical insights.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.84000, -171.77000

Facts

Established around 1903 during the German colonial era.
Located in the Moto'otua district of Apia.
Central facility during the 1918 influenza pandemic response.
Site of the first formal training school for Samoan nurses.
Architecture merged German design with tropical adaptations.
Currently the site of the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fugalei Fresh Produce Market<1 km · WExplore →

Samoa College1 km · EExplore →

Tanugamanono Power Substation1 km · NExplore →

Former Mau Headquarters1 km · SExplore →

Mata'afa Tombs2 km · SWExplore →

Palolo Deep Marine Reserve2 km · NWExplore →

Vaiala2 km · NExplore →

Avele College3 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Apia Old Hospital (10)

Palisi Catholic Church

Catholic church in Palisi, Apia. Place for worship services.

Apia International Christian Mercy Church

International Christian Mercy Church in Apia. Multilingual congregation.

Lalovaea Sisifos Nature Reserve

Lalovaea Sisifos nature reserve in Apia. Protects native species.

Seventh Day Adventist Church

Seventh-day Adventist church in Apia. Meeting place.

Fugalei Congregational Christian Church

Congregational church in the Fugalei district of Apia. Holds services.

SPACE | Samoa Performing Arts & Creative Excellence

Performing arts and creative centre in Apia. Stage and workshops.

Samoa Arise 2025

Christian organization in Apia. Features worship services and community work.

Anglican Church Chapel⛪ church

Anglican chapel in Apia. Holds services.

All Saints Multi-Purpose Hall⛪ church

All Saints multi-purpose hall in Apia. Used by the church.

Museum of Samoa🏛 museum

Museum of Samoa in Apia. Displays cultural and historical exhibits.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the old hospital?

The building is usually only viewable from the outside as a historical site.

Where exactly is it in Apia?

It is centrally located in Apia and easily accessible on foot.

Is the building open to the public?

Access inside is usually not possible as it does not function as a museum.

What is the best time of day for photos?

Mornings offer the best light to clearly capture the facade.

Is there parking nearby?

There are public parking spots on the surrounding streets of Apia.

Apia Old Hospital: where is it located?

Apia Old Hospital is located in Samoa.

Apia Old Hospital: what is there to see?

Highlights include Palisi Catholic Church, Apia International Christian Mercy Church, Lalovaea Sisifos Nature Reserve.

Apia Old Hospital: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Apia Old Hospital: why is it worth visiting?

The Apia Old Hospital, located in the Moto'otua district, serves as a prominent example of colonial healthcare infrastructure from the early 20th century.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →