
Stolperstein Marta Löfflerová in Brno: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Marta Löfflerová in Brno, Czech Republic, stands as a poignant marker in the city’s urban fabric—a small but powerful reminder of the individuals whose lives were uprooted and destroyed by the Nazi regime. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are brass plaques set into pavements outside the last freely chosen residences of Holocaust victims. Conceived in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the project has become the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with more than 100,000 stones installed across Europe as of 2025 (Stolpersteine in the Czech Republic (Wikipedia)). In Brno, these memorials—known locally as “Kameny zmizelých” or “stones of the disappeared”—invite reflection and remembrance from residents and visitors alike.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Stolperstein dedicated to Marta Löfflerová, including its historical context, practical information for visitors, nearby attractions, and the broader cultural and educational significance of the Stolpersteine project in Brno.
What Are Stolpersteine?
Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are 10x10 cm brass-capped concrete cubes embedded into sidewalks, each inscribed with the name, birth year, fate, and, if known, the date and place of death of a victim of Nazi persecution (StolpersteineCZ Official Website). By placing these markers outside the victims’ last chosen residences or workplaces, the project aims to personalize remembrance and make history tangible in everyday life.
In the Czech Republic, Stolpersteine were first introduced in Prague in 2008 and have since been installed in several cities, including Brno. They commemorate Jews, Roma, LGBTQ+ people, political prisoners, and other groups targeted by the Nazis, ensuring that the names and stories of victims are not forgotten.
Marta Löfflerová: Historical Context
Marta Löfflerová was born on June 21, 1895, and lived in Brno before the outbreak of World War II. According to the Holocaust.cz database, she was deported from Brno to the Theresienstadt (Terezín) ghetto on January 28, 1942 (Transport U, no. 989), and later transferred to the Izbica transit ghetto in Poland on March 11, 1942 (Transport Aa, no. 808), where she perished. Her Stolperstein is a silent testament to her life and the fate she suffered—a story tragically shared by thousands of Brno’s former Jewish residents (Map of Stolpersteine in Brno).
Stolpersteine in Brno: Project Overview
Brno, the capital of the South Moravian Region, has embraced the Stolpersteine project, with installations coordinated by the local Jewish community and organizations such as Sokol Brno I (Map of Stolpersteine in Brno). The city is now home to approximately 200 stones, making it one of the leading Czech cities in Holocaust remembrance through this decentralized memorial. Each stone is placed outside the victim’s last voluntary address, integrating their memory into the city’s daily rhythm.
Community engagement is central to the project, with local volunteers, schools, and descendants of victims actively participating in research, installation ceremonies, and ongoing maintenance (StolpersteineCZ Official Website). Annual commemorative events and educational programs are organized to keep the memory of victims alive and relevant.
How to Find Marta Löfflerová’s Stolperstein
Marta Löfflerová’s Stolperstein is located in Brno, generally in front of her last freely chosen residence. Exact locations for all Stolpersteine in Brno can be found using resources such as the StolpersteineCZ map or the Map of Stolpersteine in Brno.
Directions:
- Begin your exploration at the city center, Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), and use digital maps or the Audiala app for guided routes.
- Most Stolpersteine are within walking distance in central neighborhoods with historical Jewish significance.
Visiting Information
Hours and Tickets
- Accessibility: Stolpersteine are public memorials embedded in pavements and sidewalks, accessible 24/7 at no cost. There are no tickets or entry fees required (StolpersteineCZ Official Website).
- Respectful Conduct: Pause to read the inscription, reflect quietly, and consider placing a small stone or flower as a sign of respect.
Guided Tours and Educational Resources
- Guided Tours: Several local organizations and museums offer walking tours focused on Brno’s Jewish history and Holocaust memorials, often including Stolpersteine visits. Advance booking may be required.
Accessibility
- Physical Access: While Brno’s city center is compact, pavements can be cobbled and uneven. Wheelchair access varies by location; check with the Brno Tourist Information Centre for guidance.
- Public Transport: Brno’s trams and buses are accessible, equipped with low floors and spaces for wheelchairs.
Nearby Attractions
Enhance your visit by exploring other key historical and cultural sites in Brno:
- Špilberk Castle: A 13th-century fortress offering panoramic views and exhibitions.
- Moravian Museum: The region’s largest museum, chronicling local history.
- Brno Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery: Essential sites for understanding the Jewish heritage of the city.
- Villa Tugendhat: A UNESCO World Heritage site linked to Brno’s pre-war Jewish community.
All these sites are within easy reach of Stolpersteine locations and offer further insight into the city’s layered history.
Cultural and Memorial Significance
Stolpersteine offer a decentralized, personal approach to remembrance. Their placement at street level encourages passersby to “stumble” upon history, fostering reflection and dialogue (Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in the Czech Republic). The stones transform the streets into a living memorial, making the tragedy of the Holocaust immediate and personal.
In Brno, annual cleaning events, commemorative ceremonies, and educational programs ensure that Stolpersteine remain visible, legible, and meaningful for future generations (roksmireni.cz).
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Best Times to Visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes; a soft cloth if you wish to help clean the stones.
- Photography: Permitted, but please do not block walkways or disturb local residents.
- Safety: Be mindful of traffic when stopping to observe stones embedded in busy sidewalks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where exactly is Marta Löfflerová’s Stolperstein?
A: Installed in the pavement outside her last freely chosen residence in Brno—use the StolpersteineCZ map for precise location.
Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No, all Stolpersteine are public memorials accessible at all times and free of charge.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, several organizations offer guided walking tours covering Brno’s Holocaust and Jewish heritage sites, including Stolpersteine.
Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Pavement conditions vary; consult local resources or the Brno Tourist Information Centre.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: Visit the StolpersteineCZ official website or use apps like Audiala for in-depth guides.
Visuals and Media
Summary and Recommendations
The Stolperstein dedicated to Marta Löfflerová is a small but essential part of Brno’s wider effort to confront its history and honor the memory of those lost to Nazi persecution. Its presence on the city’s pavements transforms public space into a living memorial, prompting reflection, learning, and dialogue.
Visitors are encouraged to use digital tools and guided tours to deepen their understanding, explore nearby Holocaust and Jewish heritage sites, and engage respectfully with the memorials. By pausing at these stones and remembering names like Marta Löfflerová, each visitor contributes to the ongoing culture of remembrance and the fight against forgetting.
Additional Resources
- Stolpersteine in the Czech Republic (Wikipedia)
- Map of Stolpersteine in Brno
- StolpersteineCZ Official Website
- Holocaust.cz – Marta Löfflerová Profile
- Brno Historical Walking Tours
- Brno Tourist Information Centre
For a richer experience, download the Audiala app for guided tours and up-to-date information about Stolpersteine and other historical sites in Brno.