About this experience
Witches and witches, inquisitors and executioners - what now seems like Prague legends some 6 centuries ago was Prague's everyday life. I will take you through the squares and streets of the Old Town that once served as places of execution and torture, share the secrets of the underground and tell you about the nuances of medieval justice - from comical to shocking.
What to expect
Criminal Czech Middle Ages
Get ready to learn the most interesting, intimidating, and incredible about Prague justice of the 14th - 16th centuries. You will hear how medieval "police" investigated crimes, how prisoners were interrogated and tortured, how the executions of nobles and peasants, men and women differed, what types of executions were considered honorable and which were shameful. Let’s talk about the variety of medieval punishments: from branding to burning at the stake. And I will also tell you how negligent executioners were fined, what fate awaited witches, and how all varieties of "God's judgment" - by water, iron, and duel - took place.
Old Prague - from dungeons to torture chambers
We will stroll through the streets of the Old Town, occasionally encountering places of public executions and medieval prisons. You will uncover the dark pages of the history of the Powder Tower, Charles Bridge, Pest Gate near Prague Castle, New Town Hall, and Old Town Square. You will learn about the most massive execution in Czech history and the difficult craft of the legendary executioner Mydlarz. Descend into several medieval dungeons and peek into cozy Prague courtyards, which often also served as gallows for criminals. Step by step, another side of Prague will be revealed to you, making your perception of the Czech capital even more complete and multifaceted.
Organizational details
By request, a visit to the Prague Torture Museum can be included in the program (ticket purchased separately).
