Great Road, Nuremberg

The Great Road in Nuremberg is a monumental relic of a tumultuous era, stretching almost 2 kilometres (or 1.2 miles) long and 60 metres (or 197 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 German armed forces. Construction began in 1935 and was completed in 1939, just before the outbreak of the Second World War, which prevented it from being used for its intended purpose, as numerous rallies were cancelled after 1938.

Strategically designed to connect Congress Hall with the March Field, an expansive parade ground, the road was aligned towards Nuremberg Castle at its northwestern end. This alignment was symbolically significant, intended to link the Third Reich’s aspirations with Nuremberg’s medieval heritage and reinforce the city’s historical importance.

The road was meticulously constructed with large square black and grey granite slabs measuring exactly 1.2 by 1.2 metres. Although grand plans included a monumental entrance portal and two pylons at the northwestern end, as well as a grandstand featuring a colonnade near the planned German Stadium for senior military and government officials, these structures were never fully realised.

After the war, the road served as a temporary airfield for the US Army. Today, it is associated with the nearby Nuremberg Exhibition Centre and is occasionally used as a parking area during major trade fairs and events.