Origin of the tree-lined paths
The word "avenue" has its origins in French and is derived from the verb "aller," which means "to go." As early as the 17th century, tree-lined, shady paths in Baroque palace gardens were called "allées." This new style of linear, architecturally designed trees and parks, as an expression of strength and power, quickly caught on in European court gardens. Later, its popularity grew even more when Napoleon Bonaparte had numerous avenues planted in France to protect his soldiers and horses from the sun. From then on, all paths lined with trees on both sides were referred to as "avenues." Numerous magnificent tree-lined paths can still be found in Germany today, especially in Brandenburg; there are around 10,000 kilometers of them in total. These tree-lined streets were created at the end of the 18th century and served several purposes: as a marker for the entrance to a town, as a windbreak, or, in the case of fruit trees, to provide food for the village. Unfortunately, numerous avenues in West Germany fell victim to the consequences of road modernization in the 1950s and 1960s. Numerous tree populations were irretrievably destroyed.
Culturally valuable and functional
Avenues offer many practical as well as aesthetic advantages. As cultural monuments, they significantly shape the typical landscape of Europe. Their majestic appearance is an experience and always a feast for the eyes. But the tree-lined paths also have some practical advantages. They protect against rain, wind, and strong sunlight, protect the soil from erosion, and provide habitat for a wide variety of animal species. By changing the landscape, they also encourage drivers to pay attention. But be careful: in winter, frozen sections can make driving through avenues a slippery experience!
