Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour

Delving into the darker corners of Prague’s past, the "Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour" promises a captivating journey through the city’s complex medical history. Departing from the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice, this thought-provoking experience examines controversial treatment methods and their impact on patients. As the tour winds through the hospital’s corridors, it sheds light on the Rosenham experiment and the practice of lobotomies, while a chilling visit to an abandoned cemetery adds an eerie layer to the exploration. This unique tour caters to adults seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges and ethical dilemmas that have shaped the field of psychiatry.

Good To Know

• This 3-hour tour explores the evolution of psychiatric treatments, including controversial practices like lobotomies, at the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice in Prague.

• Guided by a knowledgeable local, the tour provides an in-depth look at the hospital’s history and includes a chilling walk through an abandoned cemetery.

• The tour offers a unique experience that contrasts with typical Prague sightseeing, focusing on the city’s darker medical history and the subjective nature of psychiatric diagnosis.

• The tour is not suitable for young children due to the eerie and informative nature of the content, which explores themes like the Rosenham experiment.

• The Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice is accessible via Prague’s public transportation system, with options for taking a taxi from the city center.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history of psychiatry in Europe.

Priced from $31.25 per person, the 3-hour tour departs from the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the experience explores the evolution of psychiatric treatments, including lobotomies and the infamous Rosenham experiment.

Participants can expect a 2.5-hour guided tour followed by a 30-minute walk through the asylum’s abandoned graveyard. While not suitable for young children, the tour promises an eerie and informative look at this dark chapter of medical history.

Comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle are recommended, and the site is accessible via metro and bus.

Experience Highlights

Guided by a knowledgeable local, the tour offers an insightful introduction to the history of psychiatry in Europe. Visitors can expect to gain insight into various treatment methods, including the controversial practices of lobotomies and the Rosenham experiment. Afterward, the group embarks on a 30-minute walk through the abandoned cemetery, where they’ll hear chilling stories of the asylum’s infamous patients.

Highlights	Details
Guided Tour	2.5-hour tour led by a local guide
Psychiatric History	Overview of psychiatry in Europe
Abandoned Cemetery	Eerie promenade through the graveyard

The tour provides a unique and memorable experience, offering a stark contrast to the typical Prague sightseeing activities.

Itinerary Details

Starting at the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice, the tour takes visitors on a guided exploration of the history and methods used in psychiatry.

After the introduction, the group embarks on a 30-minute walk through the abandoned cemetery, listening to stories of infamous patients.

The itinerary then circles back to the starting point at the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable local guide provides insight into various treatment methods, including lobotomies and the Rosenham experiment, offering a unique and eerie glimpse into the history of psychiatry.

Important Information

Comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle are recommended for this tour.

The content isn’t suitable for small children due to the dark historical nature of the subject matter.

The Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice is accessible via metro line C and bus numbers 177 or 200. Alternatively, a taxi from the city center will cost approximately 350 CZK (15 EUR).

The tour lasts around 3 hours, with 2.5 hours spent on the guided portion and 30 minutes exploring the abandoned cemetery.

Visitors should be prepared for an eerie yet informative experience delving into the history of psychiatry and the asylum’s infamous past.

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Customer Reviews

The tour’s customer reviews praise its informative nature and the unique historical insights it provides. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 28 reviews, the tour appears to offer excellent value for money.

According to the reviews:

1. Guests appreciated the knowledgeable local guide who provided in-depth information about the history of psychiatry in Europe.

2. Visitors found the exploration of the abandoned cemetery and graveyard particularly eerie and memorable.

3. The tour was described as a unique and different experience from typical Prague offerings.

4. Some reviewers noted the tour may not be suitable for younger children due to the dark historical content.

Getting to the Tour

To reach the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice, the tour’s starting point, visitors can conveniently utilize Prague’s public transportation system.

The hospital is accessible via metro line C and bus numbers 177 or 200. A taxi from the city center to the hospital costs approximately 350 CZK (15 EUR).

The tour advises visitors to plan their journey in advance, as the hospital is situated a bit outside the city center.

With proper planning, getting to the tour’s starting point is straightforward and accessible for most visitors to Prague.

Historical Context

Over the centuries, Prague has long been a center of psychiatric innovation and experimentation.

The city’s psychiatric hospital, Bohnice, has a complex history that reflects the evolution of mental health treatment.

Some key moments include:

1. The hospital’s hotel in 1903 as a progressive institution focused on humane care.
2. The Rosenhan experiment in the 1970s, which exposed the subjective nature of psychiatric diagnosis.
3. The use of controversial treatments like lobotomies during the mid-20th century.
4. The hospital’s continued operation today, providing modern psychiatric services while grappling with its darker past.

This tour offers a rare glimpse into the asylum’s history and the stories of those who passed through its wards and cemetery.

Good To Know

This tour offers a rare chance to uncover the complex history of psychiatric care in Prague.

Visitors will gain insights into the evolution of treatment methods, from lobotomies to the infamous Rosenham experiment. The eerie atmosphere of the abandoned cemetery adds an unsettling yet captivating element, as guests learn about the fates of former patients.

With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, this tour provides a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the city’s psychiatric history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Guide’s Qualifications Certified or Insured?

The guide’s qualifications aren’t specified, but the tour company likely ensures they’re knowledgeable and experienced. Most tour operators provide some form of liability insurance to protect customers, though the exact coverage may vary.

Is It Possible to Visit the Hospital Interior?

Unfortunately, the tour does not include access to the interior of the psychiatric hospital. The tour focuses on the history and abandoned cemetery surrounding the facility, without providing entry into the hospital buildings themselves.

Can We Take Photos During the Cemetery Portion?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the cemetery portion of the tour, though it’s best to be respectful and avoid disturbing the area. Check with the tour guide for any specific rules or restrictions.

Will We Encounter Any Paranormal Activity on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t guarantee paranormal experiences, but visitors may encounter an eerie atmosphere in the abandoned cemetery. The guide won’t make any claims about supernatural activity, but the setting itself can be unsettling for some.

Can I Book a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, private tours can be booked for groups. Customers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about private tour options and availability. Group size and pricing may vary depending on the specific requirements.

The Sum Up

The Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour provides a thought-provoking exploration of the city’s complex psychiatric history. Visitors can expect to learn about controversial treatment methods and uncover the tales of infamous patients during this captivating three-hour experience. While the tour may not be suitable for all, it offers a unique and insightful glimpse into the darker aspects of medical history.

You can check availability for your dates here: