Spain and England are set to face off in the European Championship final on Sunday at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, a venue with a rich yet dark history. Originally built for the 1936 Olympic Games, the stadium still bears scars from World War II and remnants of its Nazi past.
Adolf Hitler played a significant role in the design and construction of the 100,000-seat stadium, which was part of the Reich Sports Field project. The stadium's architecture, inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, aimed to impress visitors and create a sense of grandeur.
Despite Hitler's involvement and the Nazi regime's propaganda efforts during the 1936 Games, the stadium also witnessed moments that challenged Hitler's notions of racial superiority. Black American athlete Jesse Owens' success on the track stood in stark contrast to the regime's racist ideology.
Following World War II, the stadium survived the conflict and underwent renovations over the years. Today, the stadium serves as a reminder of Germany's past, with information signs placed around the venue to educate visitors about its history.
While some Nazi relics remain, efforts have been made to remove overt symbols of the regime. The stadium's post-war transformation reflects Germany's commitment to acknowledging and learning from its dark past.
As fans gather for the European Championship final, the stadium stands as a symbol of remembrance and reflection, prompting discussions about the events that unfolded there in 1936 and the importance of understanding history to prevent its repetition.
