Prague

The Plague Doctor of Prague

4.9(144 reviews)1h 30minFree cancellation

Description

In 1713, the plague returned to Prague. Most doctors suddenly remembered urgent business elsewhere. Alexandr Schamsky, 28 and apparently missing that survival instinct, stayed — treated patients, documented the chaos, somehow lived to tell the tale. Three centuries later, follow his exact footsteps with a guide in full plague doctor costume: beaked mask, hooded cloak, leather bag and all. In 90 minutes you'll hear five competing theories on what caused the plague, taste a (modern, harmless) anti-plague pill, smell historic lavender oil and pass one of Europe's oldest hospitals - emerging with nothing worse than a newfound suspicion of avocados. Real history. Real character. Zero actual plague. Featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes. Suitable for all ages.

Highlights

Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Likely To Sell Out
Walking Tours
Historical Tours
Culture
Excellent Quality
Short term availability
Weather Dependent - Low
Private and Luxury

What makes this experience special

Language guide

Tedesco, Portoghese, Inglese, Spagnolo

Transfer included

Raduno al punto d'incontro

What's included

Included

The knowledge that you survived. Alexandr Schamsky was not so lucky.
A sniff of lavender oil - used by nobles to prevent plague and mask a year of not bathing.
A professional, licensed guide who is genuinely enthusiastic about medieval medical disasters
A group photo with your plague doctor at the end of the tour
A tour featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes.
Five root causes of the plague, explained with props, pictures and questionable medical advice
90 minutes of time travel with your personal plague doctor in full authentic historical costume
A tasting of the legendary anti-plague pill - sugar-based, vegan, much safer than the original.

Itinerary

1
Meet your plague doctor outside the beautifully decorated Ho
Meet your plague doctor outside the beautifully decorated House of the Golden Well, built in 1715 to celebrate the end of the plague. Make the acquaintance of Alexandr Schamsky, learn about the plague saints Sebastian and Rochus, and find out why three litres of garlic beer a day was considered solid medical advice.
10 min
2
Step into one of Prague's most atmospheric courtyards - just
Step into one of Prague's most atmospheric courtyards - just 20 metres from the tourist crowds but feeling like a different century entirely. Learn how the rich escaped the plague (they always do), how ordinary families were locked inside their own homes by armed night watchmen, and how Schamsky ended up becoming a doctor against all odds.
10 min
3
Get acquainted with the two types of plague - bubonic and pn
Get acquainted with the two types of plague - bubonic and pneumonic - including symptoms, survival rates and the surprisingly avocado-like nature of a bubo. Meet the plague doctor's costume up close, including the famous beaked mask and its rather pungent air filtration system.
10 min
4
Discover why the Jewish community of Prague fared significan
Discover why the Jewish community of Prague fared significantly better during the plague - and what that tells us about hygiene, fresh water and the dangers of throwing garbage out of windows. Also a brief encounter with Kafka, who, like the plague, appears everywhere in Prague whether you want him to or not.
5 min
5
Pass by the oldest active hospital in Europe and meet anothe
Pass by the oldest active hospital in Europe and meet another forgotten hero: Celestine Opitz, the surgeon who performed the first successful surgery under full anaesthesia in 1847. The patient woke up, everyone celebrated, and then the patient died. But still - progress. Learn about the rat flea, Yersinia Pestis, and receive your anti-plague pill.
15 min
6
End your journey at the serene 13th century convent where Pr
End your journey at the serene 13th century convent where Prague's very first plague cases were reported. Learn about alternative medieval medicine, why lavender kept the fleas away, and what ultimately happened to Alexandr Schamsky. The tour closes with a group photo and a poem - part medieval, part metal band, entirely unforgettable.
15 min

Meeting point

Our meeting point is Seminářská 2, 110 00, Prague 1, directly next to the entrance of Hotel Aurus. You should be able to find us - we have a big bag and are dressed a bit differently than others :-)

Useful information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
If needed we are happy to help you to get back to the Old Town Square.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation available

More than 1 day before100% refund
Between 0 and 1 days before0% refund

Prices by age band

Neonato0-3 anni
Bambino4-17 anni
€20
Adulto18-99 anni
€24

Review distribution

5
137
4
4
3
2
2
1
1
0

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Available options

Médico de la Peste en ESPAÑOL
El Médico de la Peste de Praga – lucha contra la peste y busca una cura.
The Plague Doctor of Prague
Médico da Peste de Praga
Der Pestarzt von Prag- DEUTSCH
Der Pestarzt von Prag- DEUTSCH