Pestarzt von Prag – auf DEUTSCH

Step back in time and uncover the darker side of Prague’s history on this immersive historical walking tour, guided by a plague doctor in authentic period attire. Beginning at the House of the Golden Well, your guide introduces Alexander Schamsky, a forgotten hero who fought the plague in the early eighteenth century. As you explore the streets of the Old Town, you will hear shocking but factual accounts of the bubonic and pneumonic plagues that devastated Europe, learning about the root causes and medical understanding of the time. The tour visits hidden gems and historical landmarks, including the Klementinum, the New Town Hall, and the Old Town Square, bringing to life the experiences of both wealthy citizens and common people as they struggled to survive. Along the way, you will gain insights into Prague during the thirty years’ war, merchant life, and the social challenges faced by different communities during these dark times, all while exploring the city through a lens of interactive storytelling.

The journey continues through the Jewish Quarter, the Franz Kafka Statue, and the old St. Francis Hospital, where you will discover medical practices, unknown heroes of medicine, and the real human impact of the plague. The tour concludes at the hidden monastery of St. Agnes, where the life and work of the saint are shared before summarizing the effects of the plague across Prague and Europe. This interactive tour allows for questions and encourages engagement, making history both vivid and thought-provoking. Participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and children must be accompanied by adults. The experience is suitable for those seeking a factual, immersive, and sometimes sobering look into the past, offering an unforgettable perspective on the resilience of Prague and its people during one of history’s most challenging periods.