
Stolperstein Dorotea Heinrichová: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Brno Historical Sites Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Dorotea Heinrichová in Brno offers a powerful, personal encounter with Holocaust history embedded in the vibrant urban landscape of the Czech Republic’s second-largest city. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass memorial plaques placed in pavements to commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residences. Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, this project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, integrating remembrance into the everyday life of European cities (stolpersteinecz.cz; stolpersteine.eu).
Brno’s Stolperstein for Dorotea Heinrichová, found in the Žabovřesky district at Burianovo náměstí 13/01, marks the last voluntary home of a young Jewish woman deported during the Holocaust. This guide provides detailed information about the Stolperstein project, Dorotea Heinrichová’s life, visitor access, nearby attractions, and the enduring legacy of Brno’s Jewish community (encyklopedie.brna.cz; jguideeurope.org).
Contents
- Historical Background of the Stolperstein Project
- The Stolperstein for Dorotea Heinrichová: Location and Description
- Dorotea Heinrichová: Life and Fate
- Visiting the Stolperstein for Dorotea Heinrichová
- Brno’s Stolpersteine: Broader Historical Context
- Brno Jewish Quarter and Historical Sites: Visitor Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Visit Tips
- Sources and Further Reading
Historical Background of the Stolperstein Project
The Stolpersteine project began in Germany in the early 1990s, spearheaded by Gunter Demnig. It honors victims of National Socialism—including Jews, Roma, Sinti, LGBTQ+ individuals, political prisoners, and others—by placing small memorial stones at their last chosen residences (stolpersteine.eu; pragueviews.com). Each Stolperstein, measuring 10 x 10 cm, is engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, deportation details, and, if known, place and date of death.
Driven by the Talmudic saying, “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten,” the project decentralizes remembrance, making every passerby a potential witness to history. The stones are installed flush with the pavement, inviting pedestrians to pause and reflect.
The Stolperstein for Dorotea Heinrichová: Location and Description
Location
Dorotea Heinrichová’s Stolperstein is embedded in the pavement at Burianovo náměstí 13/01, Žabovřesky, Brno (encyklopedie.brna.cz). This site is easily accessible and situated in a quiet residential area, offering a contemplative space for visitors.
Physical Description
The Stolperstein is a concrete cube topped with a hand-engraved brass plate, reading:
Here lived
Dorotea Heinrichová
born 1924
deported 1942
to Terezín
murdered 1942
in Izbica
Installed on July 19, 2013, by Gunter Demnig, the stone was ordered by Michael Sive from Israel. It lies flush with the surrounding pavement, making it both visible and accessible.
Dorotea Heinrichová: Life and Fate
Born on August 13, 1924, in Brno, Dorotea Heinrichová was deported at age 17 as part of the Nazi regime’s systematic persecution of Jews.
- Deportation to Terezín: On March 29, 1942, Dorotea was forced onto Transport Ae, number 610, to the Terezín (Theresienstadt) ghetto (holocaust.cz).
- Murder in Izbica: Less than a month later, on April 27, 1942, she was deported to Izbica, a transit camp in Nazi-occupied Poland, where she was murdered.
Dorotea’s Stolperstein not only honors her memory but also serves as a tangible link to the broader tragedy suffered by Brno’s Jewish community.
Visiting the Stolperstein for Dorotea Heinrichová
Visiting Hours and Accessibility
- Hours: The Stolperstein is in a public outdoor space and is accessible 24/7, year-round.
- Tickets: No tickets or fees are required.
- Accessibility: The site is wheelchair accessible, as it is flush with the pavement.
How to Get There
- Public Transport: Trams and buses serving the Žabovřesky district stop near Burianovo náměstí (Brno Public Transport). Check schedules for current routes.
- By Car: Limited street parking is available; public transportation is recommended.
Nearby Attractions
Enhance your visit by exploring:
- Špilberk Castle: A historic fortress with panoramic views and a museum.
- Moravian Museum: Showcasing the region’s history.
- Brno Jewish Quarter: Historic sites reflecting the city’s Jewish heritage.
Guided Tours and Special Events
The Brno Tourist Information Center and other local organizations offer guided tours focusing on Holocaust history and Stolpersteine. Special commemorative events, especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day, may include ceremonies at Stolperstein sites.
Photographic Tips
The Stolperstein’s brass plate is particularly photogenic in natural light, especially during morning and late afternoon. When photographing, remember to be respectful given the memorial’s solemn nature.
Brno’s Stolpersteine: Broader Historical Context
Stolpersteine, known in Czech as “Kameny zmizelých,” are installed throughout Brno, especially in neighborhoods historically home to Jewish families (encyklopedie.brna.cz). The first Brno stones were laid by Demnig himself, with further installations commemorating families such as the Löw-Beer and Tugendhat.
Each stone transforms an ordinary city street into a living memorial, encouraging ongoing reflection and dialogue about the past (stolpersteine.eu).
Brno Jewish Quarter and Historical Sites: Visitor Guide
Historical Overview
- Medieval Origins: Jewish settlement in Brno dates back to the 13th century, with a thriving community and its own quarter by 1348 (hmh.mwmdigital.com; jguideeurope.org).
- Expulsion and Resurgence: The community was expelled in 1454, but limited Jewish presence persisted. Full emancipation followed the 1848 revolutions, leading to rapid growth and cultural flourishing.
- Interwar and Holocaust Periods: The community thrived after 1918 but was devastated during the Nazi occupation, with most members deported and murdered.
- Modern Day: Surviving sites, including synagogues and cemeteries, are preserved and open to visitors.
Practical Information
- Jewish Quarter: Open year-round; free access.
- Maior Synagogue: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; tickets approx. 150 CZK.
- Jewish Cemetery: Open daily, 9 AM–4 PM; free entry.
- Guided Tours: Available via the Brno Tourist Information Center; prices about 300 CZK.
- Accessibility: Most sites are wheelchair accessible, though cobblestones may be present.
- Photography: Permitted, except where signage restricts (notably inside synagogues).
Nearby Highlights
Combine your visit with Brno’s other attractions like Špilberk Castle and the Moravian Museum. Annual events, such as the Brno Jewish Culture Days, feature concerts, lectures, and exhibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Dorotea Heinrichová located?
A: At Burianovo náměstí 13/01, Žabovřesky, Brno, in front of her last residence.
Q: Are tickets required to visit Stolpersteine or Jewish sites?
A: Stolpersteine are free and accessible 24/7. Some synagogues require tickets.
Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, many tours are offered in English; advance booking is recommended.
Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible to wheelchair users?
A: Yes, it is flush with the pavement and accessible.
Q: When are new Stolpersteine installed?
A: Installations occur periodically, often on Holocaust commemoration dates; check local announcements.
Q: Can I take photos at the Stolperstein?
A: Yes, photos are allowed—please be respectful.
Conclusion and Visit Tips
The Stolperstein for Dorotea Heinrichová stands as a poignant and accessible reminder of the individuals lost during the Holocaust and the enduring impact on Brno’s Jewish community. By visiting, you participate in an act of remembrance that bridges past and present. For a richer experience, consider joining a guided tour or exploring nearby historical sites. Tools like interactive maps, virtual tours, and apps such as Audiala can help plan your visit and deepen your understanding.
To ensure a meaningful and respectful experience:
- Visit during daylight for optimal visibility and photography.
- Consider attending commemorative events for added historical context.
- Use public transport for convenience and sustainability.
Sources and Further Reading
- Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Dorotea Heinrichová in Brno: History, Location, and Visitor Tips, 2025 (encyklopedie.brna.cz)
- Visited the Stolpersteine Memorial in Brno: History, Locations, and Visitor Tips, 2025 (stolpersteine.eu)
- Brno Jewish Quarter and Historical Sites: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide, 2025 (jguideeurope.org)
- Holocaust.cz Database of Victims: Dorotea Heinrichová, 2025 (holocaust.cz)
- Brno Tourist Information Center, 2025 (gotobrno.cz)
- Brno Public Transport, 2025 (dpmbrno.cz)
- Prague Views: Stolpersteine Stumbling Stones, 2025 (pragueviews.com)