Mental illness has been the subject of prejudice and stigma for centuries. Its treatment has often been reduced to simple experiments, resulting in healing methods that we nowadays consider cruel. The approach to mental disorders, however, has changed significantly throughout history.
The vast grounds of the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital provide a great setting for this journey through time, as it is this place that played the greatest role of psychiatry in the Czech lands. You will hear about its foundation and its current operation. We begin with the history of psychiatry in ancient times and follow its development up to the first asylum. Along the way, you will be introduced to treatment methods such as spinning board, lobotomy, or deep sleep therapy. The hope in mental health treatment was brought about by the discovery of pharmaceuticals. But along with this came a whole new set of problems to deal with.
This unique tour will give you insights into the fates of those suffering from mental illness. After walking through the premises of the still functioning hospital, you will be led to an abandoned cemetery that was used as a burial place for patients of the original asylum. Many lost souls have never found peace there, making it a favorite location for paranormal investigators.