The Eagle's Nest: the photogenic retreat of Hitler, which he preferred not to visit

The Eagle's Nest, Hitler's mountain retreat, was destroyed by fire after 88 years. Although it was a famous site for propaganda, Hitler rarely visited due to his fear of heights. His last visit was in 1940 with Belgian Princess Marie-José, who sought better treatment for Belgian prisoners. The site was initially intended for demolition post-WWII but was preserved as a tourist attraction, stripped of its Nazi associations. The Berghof was Hitler's preferred residence, being more accessible than the Eagle's Nest, which was built in 1938 as part of a larger complex.