Great Strahov Stadium

The Great Strahov Stadium (Velký strahovský stadion) is the largest stadium ever built, with a capacity of 250,000 spectators (56,000 seated) — surpassing any current or former sports venue in the world. Construction began in 1926 to a design by architect Alois Dryák for the Sokol movement's mass gymnastics displays (slets), with major enlargements in 1932, 1948, and 1975. The field is three times the length and width of a standard football pitch. During the Nazi occupation it was used for military parades and as a staging ground before Jewish deportations. Under Communism it hosted the Spartakiad — the regime's mass gymnastics propaganda events with up to 180,000 performers. In 1990 The Rolling Stones performed here before 100,000 people, with President Václav Havel in attendance; in 1995 Pope John Paul II held a public mass on its field. Since 2019 it has hosted no competitive events. The concrete stands are in partial disrepair, and its long-term future — demolition, redevelopment, or preservation — remains unresolved. The view from the upper terrace over Prague is exceptional and completely free.