The Colossus of Prora, more commonly referred to simply as “Prora,” is a massive architectural complex located in the municipality of Binz on the island of Rügen, Germany. Constructed by Nazi Germany between 1936 and 1939 as part of the Strength Through Joy (Kraft durch Freude or KdF) initiative, it comprised eight identical buildings stretching 4.5 km parallel to the beach, with surviving structures covering 3.0 km..
Although originally intended as a holiday resort, construction was left incomplete, and the complex was never utilized for its intended purpose. Instead, Prora became a significant tool for Nazi propaganda, with the regime glorifying the immense effort put into its construction as symbolic of their own strength and power.
Following World War II, the complex served various military functions, initially under the Soviet Army, then the East German Volksarmee, and later the German Bundeswehr. Today, it accommodates a sizable youth hostel, a hotel, and holiday apartments. Designated as a significant heritage site, Prora stands as a stark reminder of Nazi architecture and ideology.