The swimming stadium in Podolí has become a cultural monument

Prague – The Swimming Stadium in Prague's Podolí has become a cultural monument. This was decided at the end of last year by the Ministry of Culture, according to the website of the National Heritage Institute, which states that it has been protected since December 10. The work of architect Richard Podzemný was built on the site of a former cement plant and has served the residents and visitors of the capital for more than 55 years. The official operation of the Podolí Stadium was inaugurated in June 1965 with international Spartakiad swimming competitions.

"The complex represents a unique example of significant sports architecture from the early sixties. Its design fully aligns with the modern movement of the international architectural scene. It is an exceptionally high-quality and timeless architecture utilizing organic motifs,” quoted the cultural server Alarm from the proposal of the National Heritage Institute to declare the stadium a monument.

The Swimming Stadium will thus avoid the fate that has befallen other unique buildings from the sixties and seventies, such as the Transgas building or Hotel Prague – and which is likely awaiting the Central Telecommunications building in Žižkov or the White House in Brno, the server noted.

Construction near the Vltava began in 1959, and the swimming complex was opened to the public six years later. At the time of its opening, the stadium featured one covered fifty-meter pool and two outdoor pools, one of which is 50 meters with a diving tower, and the other is 30 meters, which was something unprecedented. In Czechoslovakia, it was only the third covered "fifty," after Olomouc and Žilina, and at that time only 25-meter pools existed in the metropolis.

In the Central European context, the placement of the swimming pools among the trees and greenery was exceptional. The striking design of the pool's wave-shaped roof, which also serves as a grandstand for up to 5,000 spectators, is unique.

The complex gradually expanded and continually offered new attractions to its visitors. In 1967, the smaller of the outdoor pools remained open through winter for the first time. What originally seemed like a peculiarity quickly became a tradition: swimming in warm water amid the snowy Prague was a unique experience.

The Podolí pool serves both the public and professional athletes. It has hosted numerous international competitions, national and European championships in swimming and diving. The use of the Podolí pool was even considered in the late 60s when Prague was contemplating hosting the Summer Olympic Games in 1980.

Due to anti-epidemic measures, Podolí is currently closed, as are other pools and aquaparks in the country.