Stolperstein Liesel Rosenthal Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Liesel Rosenthal in Baden-Baden offers an intimate and moving encounter with Holocaust history and the personal stories of its victims. Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small brass plaques embedded in pavements across Europe, created by artist Gunter Demnig, to commemorate individuals persecuted by the Nazis. Each stone is typically placed at the last freely chosen residence or workplace of a victim, integrating remembrance into the daily life of cities and towns (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia).
Liesel Rosenthal’s Stolperstein stands not only as a memorial to her personal resilience but also as a symbol of the broader Jewish experience during the Nazi era. Baden-Baden, a city with a rich Jewish heritage, supports the Stolpersteine project through guided tours, educational programs, and digital resources such as the Stolpersteine Guide app (Stolpersteine Guide; Baden-Baden.com). This decentralized memorial approach encourages personal reflection, ensuring the stories of victims remain present in everyday life.
This guide provides comprehensive information about the Liesel Rosenthal Stolperstein, including its historical context, cultural significance, practical visitor tips, and details on related Jewish heritage sites in Baden-Baden.
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins, Purpose, and Impact
Origins and Philosophy
The Stolpersteine project began in 1992, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig. Conceived as a “social sculpture,” the project integrates memory into the everyday urban environment by embedding small memorials at the last chosen residences, workplaces, or schools of Holocaust victims. The first Stolpersteine were installed in Berlin in 1996, and the project has since expanded to over 1,800 cities and towns in more than 26 countries, making it the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial (Wikipedia; Stolpersteine.eu; Prague Views).
Each Stolperstein consists of a 10-centimeter concrete cube topped with a brass plate, engraved with the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, the date and place of death. The stones are meant to provoke emotional and intellectual reflection from passersby, who “stumble” upon them in their daily routines (Germany.info; Folklife Magazine).
Symbolism and Naming
The word “Stolperstein” literally means “stumbling stone.” The act of stumbling is both physical and metaphorical, inviting people to discover these memorials by chance and confront the memory of the Holocaust. The placement in pavements also alludes to the desecration of Jewish cemeteries during the Nazi era and serves as a reminder of the past (Wikipedia).
Community Involvement and Social Impact
Stolpersteine installations are often sponsored by individuals, families, schools, or organizations, with each stone costing about €120. Sponsors typically research the biographies of victims, fostering personal engagement with history. Ceremonies for new stones encourage collective remembrance, and schools frequently participate in the project for educational purposes (Folklife Magazine; Stolpersteine.eu; Prague Views).
Criticism and Controversy
Some critics question the placement of memorials in pavements, arguing that being stepped on can be disrespectful. This has led cities like Munich to prohibit Stolpersteine on public property. However, many proponents argue that the stones’ vulnerability reinforces the need for ongoing remembrance and vigilance (Wikipedia).
Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden actively participates in the Stolpersteine project, embedding stones throughout the city to honor Jewish residents persecuted or deported during the Nazi era. Local initiatives include guided tours and educational programs, and sponsors ensure the stones remain clean and legible (Stolpersteine Guide; Folklife Magazine).
Practical Information for Visiting Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden
Location and Accessibility
Stolpersteine are embedded in public pavements and can be visited free of charge at any time. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, and most stones are easily accessible, though some areas may have uneven surfaces.
Guided Tours and Resources
While no tickets are required, guided tours are available through local organizations and historical societies. The Stolpersteine Guide app offers interactive maps, biographies, and suggested walking routes to help visitors locate stones and learn more about their context.
Visitor Etiquette
Visitors are encouraged to pause, read inscriptions, and, if they wish, leave a small stone or flower as a sign of respect. Cleaning the brass plates gently is also a respectful gesture (Folklife Magazine).
The Life of Liesel Rosenthal: Historical Background
Early Life and Family
Liesel Rosenthal (née Lieblich) was born in Heilbronn am Neckar in 1915. She grew up in a vibrant Jewish community, the daughter of Ludwig Rosenthal, a wine merchant, and Hermine Rosenthal (née Rothschild). Liesel aspired to be an artist, but Nazi persecution after 1933 forced many Jewish families, including hers, to the margins of society (heilbronnerfriedensweg.com).
Persecution and Exile
The Rosenthal family faced escalating restrictions, business boycotts, and increasing danger. In 1937, Liesel managed to flee to England at age 22, working to help her younger brother escape as well (heilbronnerfriedensweg.com). Letters from this period document the heartbreak and ongoing exodus of the Jewish community.
The Stolperstein Commemoration
The Stolperstein dedicated to Liesel Rosenthal in Baden-Baden commemorates her resilience, forced exile, and the fate of her family. Ceremonies often accompany the placement of Stolpersteine, involving descendants, local residents, and historians to keep these personal stories alive (stolpersteine.ch).
Visiting the Liesel Rosenthal Stolperstein in Baden-Baden
Location
The Stolperstein for Liesel Rosenthal is located at Stephanienstraße 2, 76530 Baden-Baden (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). The stone is set in the pavement directly in front of her last freely chosen residence prior to her deportation in 1940.
Accessibility
The site is at street level and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Public transport and parking options are available nearby, and the city center is easy to navigate on foot (Baden-Baden Official Tourism).
Visiting Hours and Admission
The Stolperstein is an outdoor memorial, accessible 24/7, with no admission fee or ticket required. For a contemplative experience, visit during early morning or late afternoon when the area is quieter.
What to Expect
Liesel Rosenthal’s Stolperstein is a modest brass plaque, engraved with her name, birthdate, date of deportation, and the word “Überlebt” (survived), acknowledging her as one of the few Holocaust survivors (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). Visitors may leave small stones or flowers and are welcome to gently clean the plaque.
Cultural Etiquette
Pause to read the inscription and reflect on Liesel’s story. Respect the solemnity of the site, avoid blocking entrances to private residences, and conduct photography discreetly.
Guided and Self-Guided Tours
Guided tours are offered by local historical societies and can provide deeper context about the individuals commemorated and the city’s Jewish history (Baden-Baden liest). Self-guided tours are also possible, with maps and information available online and at the Baden-Baden tourist information center (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden).
Additional Jewish Heritage Sites in Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden Synagogue
The Baden-Baden Synagogue, a historic symbol of the city’s Jewish community, is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours are available upon request, with free admission and donations encouraged. The synagogue is wheelchair accessible, and audio guides are provided in multiple languages. Visitors are advised to check the official website or contact the tourism office for updates (Jewish Virtual Library).
Other Nearby Attractions
Explore Baden-Baden’s old town, renowned spas, Lichtentaler Allee park, Museum Frieder Burda, and the Fabergé Museum. These sites offer a fuller picture of the city’s cultural and historical landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Liesel Rosenthal Stolperstein located?
At Stephanienstraße 2, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden).
Is there a fee to visit?
No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial accessible free of charge at any time.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, local organizations offer guided tours. Self-guided tours with online resources are also possible.
Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the Stolperstein is embedded in a level sidewalk and is generally accessible.
Can I photograph the Stolperstein?
Yes, but please be respectful of the residents and the solemn nature of the memorial.
Enhance Your Visit
Consider downloading digital resources or the Stolpersteine Guide app for interactive maps and biographies. Explore related heritage sites and join commemorative events to deepen your understanding.
Summary
The Liesel Rosenthal Stolperstein in Baden-Baden is a vital memorial that personalizes Holocaust history and honors resilience in the face of persecution. It is freely accessible year-round, inviting visitors to reflect and remember. Baden-Baden’s support for the Stolpersteine project, alongside its broader Jewish heritage sites, ensures that the memory of Liesel Rosenthal and other victims continues to resonate.
Plan your visit, join a guided tour, and engage with local initiatives to help keep these stories alive for future generations.
Sources and Further Reading
- Stolpersteine Project, 2023, Gunter Demnig (Stolpersteine.eu)
- Stolperstein, Wikipedia, 2023 (Wikipedia)
- Visiting Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: History, Tours, and Practical Tips, 2023 (Stolpersteine Guide)
- Liesel Rosenthal Biography and Memorial, Heilbronner Friedensweg, 2023 (heilbronnerfriedensweg.com)
- Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden – Liesel Rosenthal, 2024 (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden)
- Discovering Jewish Heritage in Baden-Baden, Jewish Virtual Library, 2023 (Jewish Virtual Library)
- Baden-Baden Official Tourism, 2024 (Baden-Baden.com)
- Folklife Magazine, Smithsonian Institution, 2020 (Folklife Magazine)
