Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour

The Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour offers a chilling yet captivating glimpse into the region’s dark past. Visitors can explore the imposing Bohnice Psychiatric Clinic, learning about its unsettling history and infamous patients. But the real intrigue lies in the eerie abandoned cemetery, where forgotten graves and unsettling tales await those brave enough to uncover them. This three-hour journey promises a profound insight into the advancements of mental healthcare, as well as the harrowing realities that once existed.

Key Points

• A 3-hour tour exploring the history of psychiatry in Europe, with a focus on the Bohnice Psychiatric Clinic and its abandoned cemetery.
• Guided walk through the Bohnice Psychiatric Clinic, learning about various treatment methods, including the Rosenham experiment.
• Opportunity to hear stories of infamous patients from the past and present, providing a unique educational insight into the dark history of psychiatry.
• Exploration of the eerie abandoned cemetery within the hospital grounds, with discussions of the haunting past and the crumbling headstones.
• Tour includes a local guide, walking tour, and tips for participants, starting from $30.53 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour," lasts for 3 hours and is priced from $30.53 per person.

Availability is limited, and it’s likely to sell out, so guests should check for starting times.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The meeting point is the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice, located at Ústavní 91, 181 00 Praha 8.

The tour includes a local guide, a walking tour, and tips for participants.

Visitors can expect to learn about the history of psychiatry in Europe and various treatment methods, including the Rosenham experiment.

Highlights of the Tour

During the tour, guests will be introduced to the history of psychiatry in Europe and learn about various treatment methods, including the renowned Rosenham experiment.

The guide will lead visitors on a guided walk through the grounds of the Bohnice Psychiatric Clinic and the eerie abandoned cemetery.

Along the way, they’ll hear stories of infamous patients from the past and present, and experience the chilling atmosphere of the forgotten cemetery.

The tour provides a unique and educational insight into the dark history of psychiatry, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of this complex field.

Exploring the Psychiatric Hospital Grounds

As visitors arrive at the Bohnice Psychiatric Clinic, they’ll be struck by the imposing architecture and somber atmosphere of the grounds.

The guide will lead them on a walking tour, pointing out key landmarks and sharing the history of psychiatric treatment methods used here. Guests will learn about experiments like the Rosenham study and hear stories of infamous patients.

The eerie abandoned cemetery, located within the hospital complex, offers a haunting glimpse into the past.

Throughout the tour, the guide’s commentary sheds light on the evolution of mental healthcare and the experiences of those who lived and worked in this facility.

Delving Into the History of Psychiatry

On the tour, the guide provides an in-depth exploration of the history of psychiatry in Europe. Guests learn about various treatment methods, including the Rosenham experiment, which revealed the flaws in psychiatric diagnosis. The guide shares stories of infamous patients from past and present, giving a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of mental healthcare. Throughout the discussion, the guide emphasizes the importance of empathy, ethics, and advancements in the field.

| Year | Treatment Method | Notable Patients |

| — | — | — |

| 1850s | Lobotomy | Rosemary Kennedy |

| 1920s | Insulin Shock Therapy | Sylvia Plath |

| 1950s | Electroshock Therapy | Ernest Hemingway |

| 1970s | Deinstitutionalization | John Hinckley Jr. |

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Uncovering Infamous Patient Stories

The tour guide delves into the stories of several infamous patients who’ve been treated at the Bohnice Psychiatric Clinic over the years.

Visitors learn about Josef Švejk, a fictional anti-hero whose satirical exploits captured the public’s imagination. They also hear about Olga Hepnarová, a mass murderer whose case sparked debates on mental health and criminal responsibility.

The guide explains how these patients’ experiences reflect the evolving understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Participants are captivated by the complex narratives, gaining insights into the clinic’s history and the challenges faced by both patients and practitioners.

Visiting the Abandoned Cemetery

Next, the group ventures to the eerie abandoned cemetery adjacent to the psychiatric hospital. Here, a modest iron gate leads to a forgotten graveyard, overgrown with weeds and enveloped in an unsettling silence. Visitors explore the crumbling headstones and notice the distinct symbols adorning the aged graves, learning about their significance. The guide shares chilling stories of past patients laid to rest in this desolate plot, painting a vivid picture of the hospital’s complex history. Despite the gloomy atmosphere, the visit provides a profound connection to the site’s haunting past.

| Highlights | Rating |

| — | — |

| Experience | 5/5 |

| Atmosphere | 4.8/5 |

| Guide’s Knowledge | 4.9/5 |

Practical Information for Travelers

Getting to the tour’s starting point at the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice is relatively straightforward. The hospital is accessible via public transportation, with the nearest metro station being Ládví on the C line. From there, it’s a short bus ride or a 15-minute walk.

Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi, which costs around 350 CZK (15 EUR) from the city center. The tour is recommended for adults, as the content may not be suitable for small children.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. The tour offers a unique and informative insight into the history of psychiatry in Prague.

Travelers’ Experiences and Testimonials

Many travelers who’ve taken the Prague Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour have shared their positive experiences.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, who expertly explains the history and treatment methods. One traveler from the UK, Rosie, noted the guide’s clear explanations, though the rain affected the cemetery visit.

Finnish visitor Sara found the tour friendly, professional, and informative. Joanne from Germany described the experience as "extremely interesting" and commended the guide’s expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

This tour is recommended for adults, as it contains dark historical content that may not be suitable for small children. There are no strict age restrictions, but parental discretion is advised for younger participants.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. Visitors should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. The tour may involve some outdoor exploration, so dressing in layers is advised.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though some areas may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the guide at the start of the tour to understand any photography guidelines.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes a guided walk through the grounds of the psychiatric clinic and an uneven, abandoned cemetery, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Alternative tour options are recommended for wheelchair users.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes a local guide, the walking tour, and tips for participants. There are no additional costs or fees mentioned in the tour overview. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting point.

The Sum Up

The Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour offers a spellbinding glimpse into the haunting history of mental healthcare in Europe. Visitors can explore the grounds of the Bohnice Psychiatric Clinic, uncover chilling patient stories, and venture into the eerie abandoned cemetery, providing a profound and unsettling insight into the complex evolution of psychiatry. This unique tour is a must-visit for those interested in the darker aspects of the past.

You can check availability for your dates here: