Prague, the beautiful city on the Vltava… Its name can only make you dream! You probably know it for its hundreds of spires, its centuries-old bridges and its eternal astronomical clock. The capital of the Czech Republic has been the home of many world-famous people such as composer Antonín Dvořák, writer Franz Kafka and painter Alfons Mucha – to cite just a few.  

Did you know that Prague is the fifth most visited city on the European continent? That its castle is the biggest in the world? But Prague is more than a city of culture, art and history. It is a place where sport has always flourished and to which many success stories are linked. 

If you walk a bit away from the crowded city centre and take the Petřín funicular that goes up the hill, you will find yourself before the Great Strahov Stadium. No wonder it is called ‘great’: 250,000 people can fit in, of which 56,000 can sit. These astronomical figures make it the largest modern stadium and the second largest sports venue ever built.

Impressive, right? During the Cold War, the Stadium held the Spartakiads: mass gymnastic events occurring every five years during which thousands of gymnasts from the whole country made various complex formations.  

What is more, Prague is the birthplace of Petr Korda, winner of the 'Australian Open' Singles 1998. In 1998, he reached an impressive career-high ranking of No. 2. In the same year, the Czech Republic men's national ice hockey team made history by winning a gold medal at the Winter Olympic Games. The same team went on to win numerous world championships later on. 

The country (formerly known as Czechoslovakia) also won the UEFA European Championship in 1976 and became the runner-up in 1996 vs. England.

Prague is the place where record-breaking has become a tradition. So, jump on a plane, train or any other transportation means you can think of and join us at this year’s European Week of Sport!