Hornschuchpromenade and Koenigswarterstraße

The spacious promenade is unique in Fürth. Strolling here you feel like in Vienna or Paris!

The green central strips were used from 1835 by the Ludwig railway - the first railway in Germany. This was proof of the open-mindedness of this street’s residents, as it was thought chic in those days to live so close to this modern means of transport.
 
This location provided erstwhile residents with a great deal of kudos – with a residence by the side of the rail track it was possible to see and be seen. Free plots of land were coveted and very expensive. As a result, many rich manufacturers, wholesalers and bankers had their houses built here. The burgeoning middle classes enjoyed showing off their wealth to train passengers, especially during the prosperous years at the end of the nineteenth century when Fürth experienced an economic boom.

Intricate facades with turrets, bay windows, lattice balconies and expensive sandstone ornaments were both pleasing to the eye and drew attention to the owner’s social and financial status. Naturally, the owner would live on the first floor, also known as the piano nobile, or noble floor. Here, numerous rooms led one into the other. The architect would draw attention to these with balconies and window frames.

Each house is a unique work of art. Even the passageways leading to back buildings in which tradesmen conducted their business were lavishly decorated. If you are lucky enough to notice an open door, take a peak and you will be treated to a snapshot of a bygone era.