Aug 17, 2012 6:31 AM

Gallery: Colonial Luxury Hotel Now Colonized by Migrant Squatters

© Héctor Mediavilla
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*The façade of the Grande Hotel in 2011. It is in such bad condition that it cannot be restored.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*
© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Some of the squatters bathe and wash their dishes in the Olympic pool at the Grande because the water is free. They are aware of the risks, but they can only afford to buy clean water for cooking and drinking.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*

© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Frames of a documentary film from the RTP (Radio Televisao Portuguesa) about the opening of the Grande Hotel in Beira in 1955. © Courtesy of the RTP archives.*
© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Dina, 11, has lived in the Grande Hotel since 2006.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*

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*The back of the Grande Hotel at night.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*
© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Every possible room that can be squatted, has been squatted.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*

© Héctor Mediavilla
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*The first floor of the hotel, where there used to be a dance club.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*
© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Girls play a stone game at the main entrance.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*

© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Rui, a young boy who has lived in the Grande Hotel for about a year, exercises every day in the upper-floor terrace of the hotel.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*
© Héctor Mediavilla
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*A former bathroom in the hotel. There has been no running water for more than a decade.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*

© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Paolo, 19, was born in the Grande Hotel and still lives there.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*
© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Hygienic conditions are poor at the hotel. Spiders, rats and other animals live amongst the squatters.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*

© Héctor Mediavilla
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*The entrance of the Grande Hotel where some of the squatters have set up small businesses that sell food and other items.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*
© Héctor Mediavilla
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*Stairs to the top terrace of the hotel.* *Photo: Héctor Mediavilla*

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