Great Road, Nuremberg

The Great Road in Nuremberg is a monumental relic of a tumultuous era, stretching almost 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and 40 meters (132 feet) wide. Conceived during the Third Reich, the road was intended to serve as the central axis of the rally grounds and a parade route for the Wehrmacht. Its construction commenced in 1935 and concluded in 1939, just before the onset of World War II, which prevented its intended use as numerous rallies were canceled after 1938.

Strategically designed to connect the Congress Hall with the Märzfeld, an expansive parade ground, the road was aligned to point towards the historic Nuremberg Castle in its northwestern extension. This alignment was symbolically significant, intended to link the Third Reich's aspirations with Nuremberg's medieval heritage, reinforcing the city's historical significance.

The road was meticulously constructed with a pavement of black and gray granite pavers, each bordered by precise 1.2-meter (4 feet) edges. Although grand plans included a representative entrance portal and two pylons at the northwestern end, along with a grandstand featuring a hall of pillars near the German Stadium for top military and government officials, these were never fully realized.

Post-war, the road's fate shifted significantly; it served as a temporary airfield for the US Army. In contemporary times, it has been repurposed by the nearby Nuremberg Fair and Exhibition company, mainly used as an occasional parking area during highly frequented fairs. This adaptation marks a stark contrast from its original militaristic and ceremonial intentions, serving now as a pragmatic urban space within the city.