Planken, Principal shopping street in Mannheim, Germany
Planken is a shopping street stretching over 800 meters through central Mannheim, connecting the water tower with Paradeplatz and serving as the main east-west commercial corridor. The eastern portion functions as a pedestrian zone while allowing streetcar passage, lined with retail shops and daily foot traffic.
The street name originates in the 17th century from wooden palisades that once stood on sandy ground between the citadel and the city center. This early defensive structure later evolved into the area that became Mannheim's primary commercial route.
The street functions as the living center of Mannheim's distinctive grid layout, where buildings carry alphanumeric codes instead of conventional street names. Locals and visitors naturally gather here, experiencing the city's most recognizable public space within this organized urban pattern.
The eastern section is car-free and ideal for walking and shopping, while the western portion accommodates streetcar traffic alongside pedestrians. Visitors will find dense retail options and an easy, walkable environment for exploration.
A glass memorial cube standing along the street since 2003 honors Jewish citizens who suffered during the National Socialist era. This quiet reminder catches visitors' attention as they walk through the busy shopping area.
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