Uncover the haunting history of mental health treatment in Europe with the Prague Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour. Over three captivating hours, this insightful journey guides visitors through the hospital’s hotel in 1885, examining controversial practices like lobotomies and the profound implications of the Rosenhan experiment. The tour culminates in a visit to an adjacent abandoned cemetery, where the stories of former patients evoke a deep emotional connection. Whether you’re intrigued by the complex narratives surrounding psychiatry or simply fascinated by the macabre, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of a poignant and profound chapter in medical history.
Key Points
- The 3-hour guided tour explores the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital and the adjacent abandoned cemetery, focusing on the history of psychiatry in Europe.
- Visitors learn about the evolution of mental illness treatments, including controversial practices like lobotomies, and the impact of the Rosenhan experiment.
- The tour provides an opportunity to reflect on the advancements and ongoing challenges in mental health care, with emotional significance for those with personal connections.
- The tour is accessible via public transportation, with clear directions provided, and a taxi option available from the city center.
- The abandoned cemetery on the hospital grounds serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and sometimes tragic history of psychiatric care.
Tour Overview
The Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour typically lasts 3 hours and costs from $30.44 per person.
It’s a guided tour that takes visitors to the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital and the abandoned cemetery nearby. Along the way, the tour provides an introduction to the history of psychiatry in Europe and discusses various mental illness treatments, including the famous Rosenhan experiment.
Participants will also explore the abandoned cemetery and hear stories of past patients. The tour is conducted in English, and private group options are available.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. The tour isn’t recommended for small children due to its focus on psychiatry’s dark history.
Itinerary
Commencing the tour at the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice, visitors embark on a 2.5-hour guided exploration of the facility. They’ll learn about the history of psychiatry in Europe and the various treatments, including the infamous Rosenhan experiment.
The tour then moves to the adjacent abandoned cemetery for a 30-minute visit, where stories of past patients and their fates are shared. Visitors will gain insight into the mystic rituals and historical treatments, such as lobotomies, that were once practiced.
Highlights
This tour offers an introduction to the history of psychiatry in Europe, delving into the various mental illness treatments that were once employed, including the renowned Rosenhan experiment.
Visitors can explore the abandoned cemetery adjacent to the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital, where they’ll uncover stories of past patients and gain insights into the mystic rituals and historical procedures, such as lobotomies, that were once practiced.
The tour highlights include:
- Exploration of the hospital’s dark history and its evolution in treating mental illness
- Discussion of groundbreaking experiments like the Rosenhan study and their impact on psychiatric care
- Immersion in the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned cemetery and its haunting tales
- Examination of controversial treatments, including lobotomies and other historical procedures
- Opportunity to reflect on the progress and challenges in the field of mental health.
Important Details
Comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle are recommended for this tour, which includes a significant amount of walking.
The tour isn’t suitable for small children, as it covers the hospital’s dark history and various mental illness treatments.
Visitors can access the tour site via metro line C to Kobylisy, then bus 177 or 200 to Katovická, or by taking a taxi from the city center at an approximate cost of 350 CZK (15 EUR).
The tour provides an informative and engaging exploration of the history of psychiatry in Europe, including discussions of the Rosenhan experiment and historical treatments like lobotomies.
Visitors with personal connections to the hospital may find the experience particularly emotionally significant.
Customer Feedback
Customers who’ve experienced the Prague Psychiatric Hospital Tour generally provide positive feedback, highlighting the tour’s informative and engaging nature despite the hospital’s operational status.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the facility’s dark history to life, offering insights into the evolution of psychiatric treatment and the stories of past patients.
The emotional significance of the tour is also noted, particularly for visitors with personal connections to the hospital.
While the tour’s extended walking distance may not suit all participants, those comfortable with it find the experience worthwhile.
The abandoned cemetery exploration and discussions of mystical rituals add further depth to this unique and thought-provoking tour.
Getting There
The Prague Psychiatric Hospital Tour is accessible via public transportation, with the hospital located at Ústavní 91, 181 00 Praha 8. Visitors can take metro line C to the Kobylisy station and then transfer to bus 177 or 200 to reach the Katovická stop, which is just a short walk from the hospital’s main gate. Alternatively, those traveling from the city center can opt for a taxi, which typically costs around 350 CZK (15 EUR) for the journey.
| Transportation | Directions |
|---|---|
| Metro | Line C to Kobylisy, then bus 177 or 200 to Katovická |
| Taxi | From city center, approx. 350 CZK (15 EUR) |
Hospital History
The Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital has a long and storied history, dating back to its hotel in the late 19th century as a groundbreaking institution for the treatment of mental illness.
Designed to provide compassionate care and innovative therapies, the hospital’s early years were marked by both advancements and controversies in the field of psychiatry.
Over the decades, Bohnice has witnessed the rise and fall of various treatment approaches, from the implementation of lobotomies to the introduction of more humane, patient-centered care.
Today, the hospital continues to play a crucial role in mental health services, grappling with the evolving challenges and societal attitudes surrounding psychiatric treatment.
- The hospital’s founding in 1885 as a progressive institution for the time
- Adoption of controversial practices like electroshock therapy and lobotomies
- Influential role in the Rosenhan experiment, which exposed the flaws in psychiatric diagnosis
- Shift towards deinstitutionalization and community-based mental health services in the late 20th century
- Ongoing efforts to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and combat stigma
Abandoned Cemetery
One haunting aspect of the tour is the visit to the abandoned cemetery located on the hospital grounds. Nestled behind overgrown vegetation and weathered headstones, this forgotten burial site serves as a chilling reminder of the psychiatric hospital’s turbulent past. Visitors can explore the eerie atmosphere, learning about the tragic stories of former patients laid to rest in unmarked graves. The cemetery’s dilapidated state reflects the neglect and stigma surrounding mental illness during the hospital’s operational years. Through this somber exploration, the tour provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the complex and often dark history of psychiatric care.
| Abandoned Cemetery Features | |
|---|---|
| Overgrown Vegetation | Weathered Headstones |
| Unmarked Graves | Neglect and Stigma |
| Tragic Patient Stories | Chilling Atmosphere |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Recording Devices or Photographs Allowed During the Tour?
Recording devices and photographs are generally allowed during tours, but visitors should check with the tour operator beforehand. Some sites may have restrictions in place to respect the privacy and security of the location and participants.
What Safety Precautions Are in Place for Visitors?
The tour operator takes safety seriously, implementing precautions like requiring visitors to sign waivers, providing safety gear, and maintaining a guide-to-visitor ratio to ensure participants’ wellbeing throughout the experience. Visitors are expected to follow all instructions from the guide.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
While the tour involves extensive walking, visitors with mobility issues may still be able to participate with appropriate accommodations. The tour operator should be consulted to discuss any special needs and arrange necessary support.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Memorabilia From the Tour?
Unfortunately, no souvenirs or memorabilia are available for purchase on this tour. The tour focuses on the historical significance and emotional weight of the psychiatric hospital and cemetery, rather than providing any commercial offerings. Visitors should expect an informative, but souvenir-free, experience.
Is the Tour Guide Certified in Mental Health First Aid?
The tour guide’s mental health first aid certification is not explicitly stated. However, they likely have specialized training to lead tours sensitively through the psychiatric hospital and provide appropriate context about its history and operations.
Recap
The Prague Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour offers a profound and insightful journey through the complex history of mental health treatment in Europe.
Participants will explore the hospital’s hotel, controversial practices, and the Rosenhan experiment, while also exploring the haunting stories of former patients at the adjacent abandoned cemetery.
This tour provides a thought-provoking and emotional experience for those interested in the intricate narratives surrounding psychiatry.
