Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour

The "Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour" offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex and often troubling history of mental healthcare in Europe. Delving into the evolution of psychiatric treatments, from ancient rituals to modern practices, the tour guides participants through the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital and a haunting abandoned cemetery. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this three-hour excursion provides an educational and thought-provoking perspective on a tragic aspect of human history. As participants uncover the somber stories of infamous patients, they’ll be left to ponder the profound implications of how society has grappled with issues of mental health over the centuries.

Key Points

• A 3-hour guided tour exploring the history of psychiatry and mental illness treatments in Europe, including a visit to the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital.
• Insights into the evolution of psychiatric care, from mystic rituals to modern approaches, with a focus on the somber history of lobotomies and other controversial practices.
• Opportunity to visit the abandoned cemetery adjacent to the hospital, which serves as a haunting reminder of the institution’s tragic past.
• Tour includes a 2.5-hour guided portion followed by a 30-minute cemetery visit, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s psychiatric history.
• Rated 4.6/5 by previous customers, the tour is praised for its unique perspective and knowledgeable guides, who balance the dark themes with educational aspects.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour," offers an immersive 3-hour experience for visitors, priced from $31.34 per person.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, the tour allows flexibility for travellers.

The guided portion lasts 2.5 hours, followed by a 30-minute visit to the abandoned cemetery.

Highlights include an introduction to the history of psychiatry in Europe, insights into mental illness treatments, and exploration of the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital grounds and the haunting cemetery where patients and criminals were laid to rest.

A private group option is available for those seeking a more personalized experience.

Experience and Itinerary

Starting at the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital, the guided tour lasts for 2.5 hours, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of the facility’s grounds. Guests will gain insights into the history of psychiatry in Europe, learning about treatments like mystic rituals and lobotomies. The tour also delves into the Rosenhan experiment, which exposed the failings of psychiatric institutions. After the clinic grounds, the group ventures to the abandoned cemetery for a 30-minute visit, uncovering the tragic stories of infamous patients laid to rest there.

Overview	Duration
Introduction to Psychiatric History	30 minutes
Tour of Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital	1 hour
Insights into Mental Illness Treatments	1 hour
Visit to Abandoned Cemetery	30 minutes
Q&A and Reflections	30 minutes

Psychiatric Hospital Exploration

Visitors embark on a captivating exploration of the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital‘s grounds, seeing the complex’s rich history.

They’ll gain insights into the evolution of mental health treatments, from mystic rituals to lobotomies, as they tour the functioning clinic. The guide shares harrowing tales of infamous patients, shedding light on the tragic past of Bohemia’s psychiatric care.

Traversing the hospital’s corridors, guests witness the facility’s inner workings, developing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by both patients and caregivers.

The tour provides a unique perspective on the complex’s architectural beauty, juxtaposed with its somber history, leaving a lasting impression on all who venture through its halls.

Cemetery Visit and Stories

Following the tour of the functioning psychiatric clinic, visitors now make their way to the abandoned cemetery adjacent to the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital.

The cemetery is a haunting reminder of the tragic past of the institution’s patients and criminals. Visitors will promenade through the eerie grounds, learning the stories of those laid to rest here.

The graves range from simple wooden crosses to more elaborate memorials, each with a tale of hardship and suffering. As the tour guide recounts the history of the cemetery, the atmosphere becomes increasingly somber, underscoring the profound impact of Bohemia’s mental health treatment on its most vulnerable citizens.

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Historical Psychiatric Treatments

The tour provides a chilling glimpse into the historical psychiatric treatments that were once widely practiced across Europe.

Visitors learn about mystic rituals, such as bloodletting and exorcism, which were used to treat mental illness. They also discover the tragic story of lobotomies, a procedure that involved severing connections in the brain, often leading to devastating consequences for patients.

Through this exploration, the tour sheds light on the evolution of psychiatric care, from these archaic and inhumane practices to the modern, evidence-based approaches used today.

The stark contrast highlights the immense progress made in the field of mental health treatment over the decades.

Meeting Point and Directions

The meeting point for the tour is located right in front of the gate to the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital, situated at Ústavní 91, 181 00 Praha 8. Getting there is straightforward – visitors can take the Metro line C to Kobylisy station, then hop on bus number 177 or 200 to the Katovická stop. Alternatively, a taxi from the city center will cost approximately 350 CZK (15 EUR).

Transport	Route
Metro	Line C to Kobylisy
Bus	177 or 200 to Katovická
Taxi	~350 CZK (15 EUR) from city center

Once at the meeting point, guests will be greeted by their guide and begin the immersive tour through the psychiatric hospital’s grounds and the haunting abandoned cemetery.

Tour Recommendations

Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle for the duration of the tour.

Due to the tour’s historical and dark themes, it isn’t recommended for small children.

The psychiatric hospital and abandoned cemetery tour provides a unique insight into the region’s tragic past, including the treatment of mental illness.

Visitors can expect to learn about the Rosenham experiment and other historical psychiatric practices.

Customer Ratings and Reviews

Customers have consistently praised the Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour, with an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 27 reviews.

Reviewers have highlighted the tour’s unique perspective on psychiatric history and the beauty of the Bohnice complex. Many praised the knowledgeable guides who provided insightful commentary on the tragic past of the patients.

Some noted the haunting atmosphere of the abandoned cemetery, while others appreciated the balance between the dark themes and the educational aspects of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?

The tour’s accessibility for people with disabilities isn’t explicitly mentioned. It’s advisable to contact the tour provider to inquire about any accommodations or special arrangements they can make to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.

Can Visitors Take Photographs During the Tour?

Visitors can generally take photographs during the tour, though they’re advised to be respectful and avoid disturbing the functioning psychiatric clinic. Photography may be restricted in certain sensitive areas for privacy reasons.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour is not recommended for small children due to its historical and dark themes. However, there are no strict age restrictions, and older children may participate if accompanied by an adult and able to handle the content.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t explicitly offer an option to extend the duration. However, private group bookings may allow for customization, so interested participants can inquire about the possibility of extending the tour length with the tour provider.

Can the Tour Be Conducted in Languages Other Than English?

Yes, the tour can be conducted in other languages besides English. The tour operator offers the option to book the tour in multiple languages, including German, French, and Spanish, to accommodate a diverse range of international visitors.

Recap

The "Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour" provides a profound and educational exploration of the history of psychiatry. Participants will explore the evolution of mental health treatments while uncovering the somber stories of infamous patients. With a knowledgeable guide, this unique tour offers an insightful perspective on a tragic aspect of human history, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of the past and present of psychiatric care.

You can check if your dates are available here: