What the place is
The Stolperstein dedicated to Dorotea Heinrichová is in Brno’s Žabovřesky district, at Burianovo náměstí 13/01. It marks the last home she freely chose before being deported during the Holocaust (encyklopedie.brna.cz; jguideeurope.org).
Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small memorial plaques set into pavements to commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residences. Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, bringing remembrance into the everyday life of European cities (stolpersteinecz.cz; stolpersteine.eu).
History
The Stolperstein project
The Stolpersteine project began in Germany in the early 1990s, spearheaded by Gunter Demnig. It commemorates victims of National Socialism, including Jews, Roma, Sinti, LGBTQ+ individuals, political prisoners, and others (stolpersteine.eu; pragueviews.com). Each stone measures 10 x 10 cm and is engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, deportation details, and, if known, place and date of death.
The project is driven by the Talmudic saying, “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” The stones are installed flush with the pavement, making every passerby a potential witness to history and inviting pedestrians to pause and reflect.
Dorotea Heinrichová’s life and fate
Dorotea Heinrichová was born in Brno on August 13, 1924. At age 17, she was deported as part of the Nazi regime’s systematic persecution of Jews.
On March 29, 1942, she was forced onto Transport Ae, number 610, to the Terezín (Theresienstadt) ghetto (holocaust.cz). 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.
Brno’s Jewish community and Stolpersteine
Jewish settlement in Brno dates back to the 13th century. By 1348, the city had a thriving community and its own quarter (hmh.mwmdigital.com; jguideeurope.org). The community was expelled in 1454, although a limited Jewish presence persisted. Full emancipation followed the 1848 revolutions, leading to rapid growth and cultural flourishing.
The community thrived after 1918 but was devastated during the Nazi occupation, when most of its members were deported and murdered. Surviving sites, including synagogues and cemeteries, are preserved and open to visitors.
Known in Czech as “Kameny zmizelých,” Stolpersteine are installed throughout Brno, especially in neighborhoods historically home to Jewish families (encyklopedie.brna.cz). The first stones in Brno were laid by Demnig himself; further installations have commemorated families such as the Löw-Beer and Tugendhat. Each stone turns an ordinary city street into a living memorial and encourages ongoing reflection and dialogue about the past (stolpersteine.eu).
What to see
The Stolperstein is a concrete cube topped with a hand-engraved brass plate. Its inscription reads:
Here lived
Dorotea Heinrichová
born 1924
deported 1942
to Terezín
murdered 1942
in Izbica
The stone was installed on July 19, 2013, by Gunter Demnig and ordered by Michael Sive from Israel. It lies flush with the surrounding pavement.
Practical visiting information
Hours, tickets, and accessibility
- Stolperstein hours The stone is in a public outdoor space and is accessible 24/7, year-round.
- Tickets No tickets or fees are required to visit the Stolperstein.
- Accessibility The site is wheelchair accessible because the stone is flush with the pavement.
Getting 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.
Tours and events
The Brno Tourist Information Center and other local organizations offer guided tours focused on Holocaust history and Stolpersteine. Many tours are offered in English; advance booking is recommended. Tours are available via the Brno Tourist Information Center, with prices about 300 CZK.
Special commemorative events, especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day, may include ceremonies at Stolperstein sites. Installations of new Stolpersteine occur periodically, often on Holocaust commemoration dates; check local announcements.
Tips
The brass plate can be photographed in natural light, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Photos are allowed, but be respectful of the memorial’s solemn nature.
For a richer experience, consider joining a guided tour or exploring nearby historical sites. Interactive maps, virtual tours, and apps such as Audiala can help plan a visit and deepen understanding. Visiting during daylight can improve visibility and photography; commemorative events can offer additional historical context. Public transport is convenient and sustainable.
Nearby places
- Brno Jewish Quarter Open year-round with free access. Historic sites reflect the city’s Jewish heritage.
- Maior Synagogue Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM; tickets approx. 150 CZK.
- Jewish Cemetery Open daily, 9 AM–4 PM; free entry.
- Špilberk Castle A historic fortress with panoramic views and a museum.
- Moravian Museum Showcases the region’s history.
Most sites are wheelchair accessible, though cobblestones may be present. Photography is permitted except where signage restricts it, notably inside synagogues. The annual 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.
