The Kannenberg Passage

The service passage itself was most likely constructed from prefabricated concrete pieces. Its height was reportedly 2.30 m, and its width 1.20 m. The passage now provided a direct route from the storage room to the basement of the Reception Hall. From here the staircase connected the basement to the dining room of the Old Reich’s Chancellery. The roof of the service passage was about 80centimeters beneath the garden surface. A layer of tar was painted onto the concrete exterior, to prevent moisture from penetrating into the passage. The house manager of the Reich’s Chancellery was Arthur Kannenbeg. He was also responsible for all kitchen supplies. As the service passage was used for the sole purpose of moving these supplies, it was soon nicknamed by staff the “Kannenberg Passage”