Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Julius Nachmann in Baden-Baden Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Julius Nachmann

Stolperstein Julius Nachmann Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (literally “stumbling stone”) for Julius Nachmann in Baden-Baden stands as a powerful and subtle memorial to an individual victim of Nazi persecution. Part of the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial project, this small brass plaque is embedded in the pavement at Sophienstraße 20, marking the last freely chosen residence of Julius Nachmann, a Jewish businessman deported and murdered during the Holocaust. This comprehensive guide covers the historical context of the Stolperstein project, the specific story of Julius Nachmann, practical information for visiting, and the broader significance of these memorials within Baden-Baden and beyond.

What Are Stolpersteine?

The Stolpersteine project, launched in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, aims to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution where they lived rather than in distant cemeteries or museums. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated cobblestone, engraved with the name, birth date, fate, and, if known, the place and date of death of the individual it honors. By 2025, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across over 26 countries, transforming city streets into enduring sites of memory and reflection (Stolpersteine Project Official Website; pragueviews.com).

The project’s ethos is inspired by the Talmudic saying, “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten,” ensuring that the names and stories of those persecuted are ever-present in daily urban life.

Julius Nachmann: History and Commemoration

Julius Nachmann was born in 1869 and lived at Sophienstraße 20 in Baden-Baden. During the Wagner-Bürckel Aktion—a mass deportation of Jews from southwestern Germany—he was forcibly removed from his home on October 22, 1940, and sent to the Gurs internment camp in southern France. Later, on February 3, 1944, he was transported to Auschwitz, where he was murdered (Mahnmal Neckarzimmern; Traces of War).

The Stolperstein for Julius Nachmann was laid in 2008 at his former residence. The inscription reads:

JULIUS NACHMANN
JG. 1869
DEPORTIERT 1940 GURS
ERMORDET 1944 IN AUSCHWITZ

This stone is one of several in Baden-Baden, each marking the last address of a Holocaust victim and collectively preserving the memory of the city’s once-vibrant Jewish community.

Visiting the Julius Nachmann Stolperstein

Location

Address: Sophienstraße 20, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
GPS Coordinates: 48.7607° N, 8.2416° E

The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk directly in front of the building, easy to locate and accessible from Baden-Baden’s main attractions (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden; Mapcarta).

Access and Visiting Hours

Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Admission: Free of charge

Since the Stolperstein is part of a public sidewalk, it can be visited at any time, with no ticket or reservation required. Daylight hours are recommended for optimal visibility and safety.

Accessibility

The memorial is generally accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges, though some areas in Baden-Baden’s historic center may have uneven pavement.
There are no steps or barriers at the site, but visitors should use caution on cobblestones (Germany.info).

How to Get There

By Foot: Sophienstraße is centrally located and walkable from central attractions such as the Kurhaus, Lichtentaler Allee, and Marktplatz.
Public Transport: Nearby bus stops include “Augustaplatz” and “Leopoldsplatz.”
By Car: Public parking is available at Kurhausgarage and Augustaplatz.

Visitor Experience and Etiquette

Reflective Pause: Take a moment to read the inscription and honor Julius Nachmann’s memory.
Respectful Behavior: Speak softly, avoid standing on the plaque, and do not disturb local residents.
Commemorative Acts: Many visitors place a small stone or flower on the Stolperstein, in keeping with Jewish mourning traditions (My Jewish Learning).
Photography: Permitted, but please be discreet and considerate of others.
Cleaning: Gently polishing the brass plaque with a soft cloth is a common sign of respect.

Broader Significance: Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden’s Stolpersteine project reflects a city-wide commitment to Holocaust remembrance. The stones transform everyday spaces into sites of collective memory and provide opportunities for reflection and education (Stolpersteine Guide). Community involvement, such as cleaning the stones on Holocaust Remembrance Day, reinforces local engagement with history.

Educational Value

School Projects: Many local schools integrate Stolpersteine into curricula, encouraging students to research and present on individuals like Julius Nachmann (Stolpersteine Education).
Digital Resources: Access biographies and historical context via QR codes or online databases (Stolpersteine.eu Database).
Guided Tours: Educational walks and remembrance events are periodically organized by local groups and the tourist office (Baden-Baden liest).

Combine Your Visit: Other Historical Sites in Baden-Baden

Enhance your understanding of the city’s history by visiting:

Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden: Exhibits on Jewish heritage and the city’s past (Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden)
Jewish Cemetery: Graves dating to the 19th century
Synagogue Memorial: Site of the former synagogue destroyed during Kristallnacht
Lichtentaler Allee, Old Town, Fabergé Museum, Roman Baths, and Hohenbaden Castle: Other notable sites within walking distance (Curious Goose Travel; Mapcarta)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Julius Nachmann Stolperstein?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7, year-round.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, visiting the Stolperstein is free.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, though some sidewalks may be uneven.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local organizations and the tourist office periodically offer guided Stolperstein walks.

Q: How can I find other Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden?
A: Consult the official list of Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden or visit the tourist information center.

Visual Resources and Maps

[Image: Julius Nachmann Stolperstein embedded in pavement, Baden-Baden, Germany] (Alt text: Julius Nachmann Stolperstein brass plaque at Sophienstraße 20, Baden-Baden)
Interactive Map Link: View Julius Nachmann Stolperstein Location on Google Maps

Cultural Insights and Responsible Tourism

Visiting a Stolperstein is an act of remembrance and responsibility. Take time to learn about Julius Nachmann and the wider context of the memorial. Support local initiatives that maintain Stolpersteine, and share what you learn to help foster a culture of remembrance and tolerance.

Additional Resources

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Julius Nachmann in Baden-Baden is more than a memorial—it is a call to remember, reflect, and educate. By visiting, you honor the memory of individuals lost to the Holocaust and become part of a global movement dedicated to ensuring that such tragedies are neither forgotten nor repeated. Enhance your visit with guided tours, digital resources, or the Audiala app, and share your experience to keep these stories alive.

Discover, reflect, and remember—the story of Julius Nachmann lives on in the heart of Baden-Baden and in the conscience of every visitor.

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