On Tuesday morning Maccabi Tel Aviv will fly to the Czech Republic for the return leg of UEFA Champions League third round qualifying. After landing in Prague during the early afternoon the club will travel 95 km to the city of Plzen. If you're traveling for the match or if you just want to learn about the city where the Yellow-and-Blue will play the following day, this will be exactly what you need
Geography
Plzen is the fourth largest city in the Czech Republic with a population of 170,000 people. Plzen or Pilsen as it's also referred to, is located in western area of the Czech Republic and borders Germany in an area called Bohemia. The Czech Koruna is the local currency and 1 Koruna is worth 15 Agurot.
History
The first mention of Plzen in world history dates back to the year 976 where a castle was the site of a battle between two monarchs. In 1939 when the city was then part of Czechoslovakia, it was captured by the Nazis and eventually liberated by the Allied Forces in 1945. The German speaking population of Plzen who joined the Nazis were expelled from the city and their property confiscated following the liberation. In 1942 over 2,000 Jews living in Plzen were deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp which was used as both an extermination and transit camp for the tens of thousands of Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust.
Culture
Plzen is a city of culture and together with Mons of Belgium earned the European Cultural City of the Year award. The city streets are built in the Baroque style and to this day there is a concerted effort by the Czech Republic and especially in Plzen to maintain the historical buildings that populate the country. If modern structure is your calling them you can check out the huge shopping center which was built by Israeli entrepreneurs and is located very close to the city center.
Weather and electricity
Today in Israel we are experiencing a heat wave but those that will travel to Plzen should be treated to 29 degrees Celsius with 50% humidity. On Matchday the weather will be very pleasant as the balance of the week the temperature will soar to 36 degrees. Electricity outlets are the same as in Israel.
Beer
The first thing that enters your mind when you hear the word Plzen is beer and that's exactly what the locals will tell you as well. The "Pilsner Urquell" beer was produced in 1842 by Josef Groll and is considered to be the first ever lager beer. Pilsner Urquell is still considered to this day as one of the oldest and popular beers in Europe.
Another beer that enthusiasts will be familiar with is Gambrinus which is brewed in Plzen. Right behind the Doosan Arena is a brewery that the club's supporters enjoy visiting its pub for a drink before kickoff.
Cars
Many people don't know this but the Skoda vehicle manufacturer was first established by a Czech company in 1895 that produced motorcycles and scooters and in 1905 they made their first car. Today, Skoda is one of the largest players in the Czech Republic economy and is owned by Volkswagen, the German carmaker after it was privatized by the government.
Judaism
One of the biggest tourist sites in Plzen is connected to Judaism and should not be missed. The Great Synagogue cornerstone was laid in 1888 and was originally designed by the Viennese architect named Fleischer. However in 1890 the plans were adjusted to include a mix of Romantic and neo-Renaissance styles covered with Oriental decorations and a giant Star of David. The Great Synagogue was completed three years later and is now a museum that is visited by many people from around the world.
