Viscardigasse

Viscardigasse, popularly known as Drückebergergasse (roughly "Shirkers' Alley"), is a narrow, cobblestoned pedestrian passage in Munich's historic center. It connects Residenzstrasse with Theatinerstrasse just before Odeonsplatz and the Feldherrnhalle. The alley's official name honors the Swiss Baroque architect Giovanni Antonio Viscardi. It gained its special significance during the Nazi era, when a memorial with a permanent SS honor guard was erected in front of the Feldherrnhalle. Passersby were expected to give the Hitler salute there. Those who wanted to refuse the gesture used Viscardigasse as a detour to avoid being checked. This quiet, civilian protest gave the alley its popular name. Today, an S-shaped bronze trail set into the pavement in 1995 recalls this history. It marks the route taken at the time, and daily foot traffic keeps it gleaming.