Prague: Plague Doctor Old Town History Walking Tour

Set out on a captivating journey through Prague’s storied past with the "Plague Doctor Old Town History Walking Tour." Donning traditional attire, a plague doctor guide leads visitors on a 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, unearthing the 18th-century struggles against the bubonic plague. From the Clementinum to the Old Town Square, this engaging tour offers a unique perspective on the medical practices and protective gear worn by doctors during that tumultuous time. Discover the hidden gems that hold the city’s haunting history, leaving you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour walking tour explores Prague’s Old Town and its 18th-century history of the bubonic plague, led by a guide dressed as a plague doctor.
• Highlights include visits to the Clementinum, Old Town Square, and Na Františku Hospital, where the plague doctor’s iconic protective gear is discussed.
• The tour provides insights into the inadequate sanitation systems and superstitions that shaped life during the plague outbreaks in 18th-century Prague.
• Stops at key landmarks like Mariánské náměstí and the Franz Kafka Monument offer a glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the Old Town.
• The tour is available in English, Czech, and Spanish, and is wheelchair accessible, catering to diverse audiences interested in Prague’s plague-era history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Prague’s Old Town and learn about the city’s history during the 18th century bubonic plague outbreak.

Priced from $21.81 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is led by a guide dressed as a plague doctor.

Groups explore key landmarks like the Clementinum, Old Town Square, and Convent of St Agnes.

Along the way, visitors learn about protective gear used by plague doctors and receive an "anti-plague pill" (candy).

The tour is available in English, Czech, and Spanish, and can accommodate wheelchair users.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Seminářská 175/2 location in Prague’s Old Town, where you will meet their guide dressed as a 17th-century plague doctor. The group will then explore the Clementinum, Mariánské náměstí, and the iconic Old Town Square. Next, they’ll visit Josefov, the historic Jewish Quarter, and the Franz Kafka Monument. The highlight is a stop at the Na Františku Hospital, where the guide will share insights into the protective gear used by plague doctors. The tour concludes at the Church of St Castulus.

| Stop | Duration |

| — | — |

| Clementinum | 10 minutes |

| Mariánské náměstí | 10 minutes |

| Old Town Square | 10 minutes |

| Josefov | 5 minutes |

| Franz Kafka Monument | 5 minutes |

| Na Františku Hospital | 15 minutes |

| Convent of St Agnes | 10 minutes |

| Saint Castulus Church | 10 minutes |

Exploring Prague’s Old Town

As the tour commences, participants embark on a captivating exploration of Prague’s historic Old Town.

They visit the Clementinum, a stunning Baroque library, and marvel at Mariánské náměstí’s impressive architecture.

The tour then leads them to the iconic Old Town Square, where they discover the famous Astronomical Clock.

In Josefov, the former Jewish Quarter, they encounter the Franz Kafka Monument, a tribute to the renowned Czech writer.

The tour culminates at the Na Františku Hospital and the Convent of St Agnes, where participants gain insights into the city’s medical history during the plague era.

Life During the 18th Century

Although the 18th century was a time of profound change and innovation, life for many during this period in Prague remained a constant struggle against the ravages of the bubonic plague.

Outbreaks were common, and the city’s sanitation systems were woefully inadequate. Plague doctors, dressed in their distinctive protective garb, provided care as best they could, but treatments were primitive.

Many residents lived in fear, avoiding public spaces and adhering to superstitions they believed could ward off the disease. Survival depended on luck and the mercy of fate.

Life was precarious, and the scourge of the plague cast a long shadow over 18th-century Prague.

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Plague Doctor’s Protective Gear

Plague doctors, the unique medical professionals of 18th-century Prague, were instantly recognizable by their distinctive protective attire.

Their long beaked masks were filled with fragrant herbs and spices, believed to purify the air and ward off the deadly plague. Beneath the mask, they wore a loose gown and gloves to shield their skin from any contamination.

This peculiar garb, with its beak-like mask and ominous appearance, has become an iconic symbol of the plague era.

Though unsettling, these protective measures were an earnest attempt to keep plague doctors safe as they tended to the afflicted.

Discovering Hidden Gems

Where do the hidden gems of Prague’s old town lie, beyond the well-known landmarks? This guided tour by a plague doctor explores the city’s lesser-known treasures. Venture down quiet alleyways to discover:

| Location | Highlight |

| — | — |

| Convent of St Agnes | A stunning medieval Gothic monastery |

| Saint Castulus Church | An ornate 15th-century church with intricate architecture |

| Na Františku Hospital | A former hospital that cared for plague victims in the 18th century |

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and uncover the hidden stories that shaped Prague’s past.

Customer Testimonials

Several customers have praised the engaging guides on the Prague Plague Doctor Walking Tour.

They commend the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and ability to captivate the audience.

One reviewer from Ireland, Amy, noted that "Tersea was a great guide."

Another Irish customer, Ryan, described "Oscar" as "amazing" and "informative and fun."

Likewise, a Spanish guest, Ana Mercedes, found "Oscar" to be "invested and funny."

With an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 115 reviews, the tour’s guides have clearly impressed participants with their exceptional performance.

Important Information

Visitors to the Prague Plague Doctor Walking Tour should look for their guide dressed as a plague doctor at the designated meeting point. The tour operates rain or shine, so guests are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing.

| Recommendation | Description |

| — | — |

| Weather | Dress for the current weather conditions |

| Meeting Point | Look for the plague doctor guide |

| Tour Duration | Approximately 1.5 hours |

| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance |

The tour provides an immersive experience exploring Prague’s old town and learning about the bubonic plague’s history from a knowledgeable guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The dress code for this tour is casual. Participants are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour operates rain or shine. The guide will be dressed as a plague doctor from 1713.

Can I Bring Food or Drinks on the Tour?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operates rain or shine, so it’s recommended to dress appropriately for the weather. Enjoy the experience and take in the historical insights provided by the knowledgeable guide.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children are welcome to join, and families can enjoy the experience together. However, the tour’s content may not be suitable for very young children.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, guests should be mindful not to disrupt the tour experience or obstruct others’ view. It’s best to check with the guide at the start of the tour for any specific photography guidelines.

Do I Need to Be Physically Fit to Participate?

The tour doesn’t require participants to be physically fit. It’s a leisurely walking tour, covering about 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace. As long as one can comfortably walk, they should be able to fully enjoy the experience.

The Sum Up

The Plague Doctor Old Town History Walking Tour in Prague offers a unique glimpse into the city’s haunting past. Guided by a plague doctor in traditional attire, the tour delves into the 18th-century struggles against the bubonic plague, exploring medical practices and the eerie protective gear worn by doctors. This engaging experience provides a fascinating perspective on Prague’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts visiting the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: