Stolperstein Jan Uher Brno: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Jan Uher in Brno offers visitors a profound opportunity to connect with the personal histories affected by Nazi persecution. As part of the Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, these brass memorials are embedded into the sidewalks of European cities, serving as decentralized tributes to countless victims of the Holocaust and other forms of Nazi oppression. In Brno, Jan Uher’s Stolperstein and adjacent monument are powerful reminders of the city’s wartime past and ongoing commitment to remembrance (pragueviews.com; encyklopedie.brna.cz; gotobrno.cz).
This guide provides a detailed overview of the Stolperstein’s historical context, practical visitor information, cultural significance, and advice for a meaningful and respectful visit.
The Stolpersteine Project: History and Purpose
Origins and Philosophy
Conceived in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial initiative. The project’s central aim is to commemorate individuals—Jews, Roma, political prisoners, resistance fighters, and others—who fell victim to Nazi crimes. Each “stone” is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated cobblestone, inscribed with the person’s name and essential biographical details, and installed in front of their last chosen residence (pragueviews.com; en.wikipedia.org).
Rather than erecting a single monument, Demnig’s vision was to integrate memory into the everyday landscape, inviting passersby to “stumble” upon these stories during daily life. As of 2025, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been placed across more than 26 countries, making remembrance an active, communal process.
Stolpersteine in the Czech Republic
The project began in the Czech Republic in 2008, spearheaded by the Czech Union of Jewish Students. Prague was the first city to participate, and the initiative soon spread to other cities, including Brno, Olomouc, and Ostrava (en.wikipedia.org; pragueviews.com). These memorials honor a diverse range of victims, with Jewish citizens most commonly commemorated in Prague, while other cities also recognize resistance fighters and political victims (en.wikipedia.org).
The stones have become vital tools for education, public reflection, and intergenerational dialogue, with installation ceremonies regularly attended by descendants, city officials, and local communities (eurojewcong.org).
Jan Uher: Life, Resistance, and Memorialization
Biography and Legacy
Jan Uher (1891–1942) was a Czech educator, philosopher, and member of the anti-Nazi resistance. Arrested in 1939 for his involvement with Obrana národa (Defence of the Nation), he spent years in various prisons before being executed in Berlin-Plötzensee in 1942 (de.wikipedia.org). His fate echoes that of many Czech intellectuals and resistance members who suffered under the Nazi occupation.
The Stolperstein for Jan Uher
Installed at Rudišova 6/01 in Brno’s Stránice district, the Stolperstein for Jan Uher marks the pavement outside his last residence (encyklopedie.brna.cz; mapcarta.com). The inscription succinctly details his name, profession, dates of birth and arrest, and the place and date of his execution, returning his story to the city’s fabric.
Zde žil // Prof. PhDr. Jan // Uher // nar. 1891 // zatčen 1939 // v Brně // zavražděn 27. 10. 1942 // v Berlíně
Significance for Visitors
Uher’s Stolperstein offers a tangible connection to Brno’s wartime history and its tradition of resistance. Located in a residential area, it personalizes remembrance and underscores the everyday lives interrupted by historical atrocities. The stone acts as a catalyst for reflection on the consequences of totalitarianism and the enduring importance of civic courage.
Visiting Jan Uher’s Stolperstein: Location, Access, and Practical Information
Exact Location
The Stolperstein is embedded outside Jan Uher’s last freely chosen residence at Rudišova 6/01, Stránice, Brno. For up-to-date location details, consult the Stolpersteine Database or the Brno Tourist Information Centre (discoveringprague.com).
Visiting Hours and Tickets
- Hours: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7 as it is installed in a public sidewalk.
- Tickets: No entry fees or tickets are required. The site is open to all and can be visited at your convenience.
Getting There
- By Foot: From Brno Main Train Station, walk towards the city center, following signage to Stránice or consult local maps.
- By Public Transport: Use tram or bus lines to reach nearby stops such as “Náměstí Svobody” or “Zelný trh.” From there, the stone is a short walk away (discoveringprague.com).
- By Bike: Brno’s shared bike service, Rekola, provides a flexible option to visit multiple memorial sites.
Accessibility
The location is accessible to visitors with limited mobility, as Stolpersteine are installed flush with sidewalks. Some nearby streets may have uneven surfaces due to historic paving.
Visitor Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
- Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and consider the story it represents.
- Respectful Behavior: Avoid standing or sitting directly on the stone. If taking photos, do so discreetly and without blocking foot traffic.
- Leave a Token: Placing a small stone or flower is a traditional gesture of remembrance.
- Quiet Demeanor: Maintain a respectful silence, especially in residential areas.
- Dress Appropriately: Modest, neat attire is recommended for remembrance visits (stuhit.com).
Enhancing Your Visit: Guided Tours and Nearby Attractions
Guided Tours
Several local tour providers offer walking tours focused on Brno’s Jewish heritage and World War II history, often including visits to key Stolpersteine. These tours provide historical context and personal stories, deepening the visitor experience. Check with the Brno Tourist Information Centre for schedules and booking information.
Related Sites
- Jan Uher Monument: Near Rudišova Street, this bronze statue honors Uher’s resistance and academic legacy and is accessible year-round (gotobrno.cz).
- Špilberk Castle: A short walk from the Stolperstein, offering exhibits on Brno’s history and panoramic city views.
- Brno City Museum: Features World War II exhibits and local history.
- Villa Tugendhat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, open for tours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is Jan Uher’s Stolperstein located?
A: Rudišova 6/01, Stránice district, Brno. For updated information, check the Stolpersteine Database or the Brno Tourist Information Centre.
Q: Are there tickets or entry fees?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial, accessible free of charge.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, several guided walking tours include the Stolperstein and other historical sites.
Q: Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, though some cobblestone streets in the area may be uneven.
Q: What is the appropriate way to pay respects?
A: Pause to read the inscription, maintain a moment of silence, and you may leave a small stone or flower.
Summary and Visitor Tips
Visiting the Jan Uher Stolperstein in Brno offers a unique and moving opportunity to engage with the city’s history of resistance and remembrance. The stone’s decentralized placement personalizes the memory of Nazi victims, embedding their stories into Brno’s everyday life. The memorial is always accessible, free of charge, and is best experienced during daylight hours for clear viewing.
Visitors are encouraged to treat the site with respect, reflect on its meaning, and, if desired, combine their visit with guided tours or exploration of nearby historical landmarks. By engaging with the Stolperstein and related sites, you help to preserve memory, foster education, and honor the enduring legacy of Jan Uher and countless others.
Sources and Further Reading
- Stolpersteine – The Stumbling Stones Project, 2025, (pragueviews.com)
- Stolperstein, Wikipedia, 2025, (en.wikipedia.org)
- Jan Uher Profile, Encyclopaedia of Brno, 2025, (encyklopedie.brna.cz)
- Jan Uher Monument Visitor Information, Brno Tourism Office, 2025, (gotobrno.cz)
- Czech Republic Stolpersteine Ceremonies, EuroJewishCongress, 2025, (eurojewcong.org)
- Discovering Prague – Brno Guide, 2025, (discoveringprague.com)
- Stolpersteine Official Website, 2025, (stolpersteine.eu)
- Czech Etiquette Guide (stuhit.com)
