Nazi site stands silent as fans invade Nuremberg

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

NUREMBERG, June 25 (Reuters) Dutch and Portuguese soccer fans created a carnival mood in Nuremberg today, but one part of the World Cup city stood silent, guarding its memories.

Only 150 metres from the Frankenstadion soccer ground stands the Zeppelin Tribune, a chilling architectural creation of Nazi Germany that played host to Adolf Hitler's pre-war rallies.

Able to hold about 200,000 people, the Zeppelin field -- the size of 12 football pitches -- and the tribune itself were an integral part of the Nazi regime.

Entering the vast marble and stone structure and walking the steps towards the podium from where Hitler addressed the huge crowds, dozens of visitors, mainly Portuguese and Dutch, abruptly stopped their singing and laughter.

''Look at this. This is crazy and so impressive,'' said 37-year-old Henk from the Dutch city of Leiden.

''We were going to the fan fest, stumbled across this and we are left speechless by the whole structure.'' The tribune is much changed from when it was first built in the mid-1930s with the pillars now removed, the huge swastika blown up by the US army in 1945 and side columns cut off.

Modelled on the ancient Greek temple of Pergamon by Third Reich architect Albert Speer, it was mainly used for speeches and parades.

''Hitler must have felt invincible up here with the way this is constructed. I want to get out of here and go to the match,'' said Portuguese fan Joao Machado, holding his two children.

''There it does not matter if we win or lose. We will party anyway,'' he added, looking forward to the second round match with the Dutch to tonight day night.

Reuters DH RN2052

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