Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld in Baden-Baden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld

Stolperstein for Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld in Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project stands as the world’s largest decentralized memorial to Holocaust victims. Created by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, these small brass plaques are embedded in sidewalks in front of the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted by the Nazi regime. Each Stolperstein restores a name, a date, and a story to the murdered and displaced, transforming everyday urban landscapes into living archives of remembrance (Stichting Stolpersteine; Wikipedia).

Baden-Baden, a historic spa town in southwestern Germany, has embraced this project with more than 213 Stolpersteine as of 2023, commemorating its once-vibrant Jewish community (Goodnews4; Stadtwiki Baden-Baden). Among these is the Stolperstein for Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld, honoring a Jewish resident who chose suicide over deportation during World War II. This guide provides essential information about her Stolperstein, including its history, location, accessibility, and practical visitor tips, while situating the memorial within the broader context of Baden-Baden’s cultural and historical landscape.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose

Launched in Cologne in 1992, the Stolpersteine project began as a way to commemorate Sinti and Roma victims of Nazi deportations. It quickly expanded to honor all victims of the Nazi regime, including Jews, political prisoners, homosexuals, people with disabilities, and others. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque engraved with the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, the date and place of death (Wikipedia; Stichting Stolpersteine).

As of 2024, more than 107,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in nearly 1,900 communities across 21 European countries (Wikipedia). Their decentralized nature brings the memory of the Holocaust into the daily paths of passersby, making remembrance a communal act.

Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden’s participation in the Stolpersteine project began in 2003. As of 2023, over 213 Stolpersteine are spread throughout the city, each marking the site where a victim last lived or worked by choice (Goodnews4; Stadtwiki Baden-Baden). The stones not only commemorate Jewish residents, but also serve as daily reminders of the city’s past, anchoring memory in the public sphere.

Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld: Her Life and Legacy

Biography and Fate:
Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld was born on August 21, 1878, in Aachen. In the late 1930s, she sought refuge in Baden-Baden, moving first to Balzenbergstraße 10, then to Fremersbergstraße 41 (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). In October 1940, as the Gestapo prepared to deport Baden-Baden’s Jewish residents to the Gurs internment camp, Lilly and her sister Clara chose suicide over deportation—one of four elderly Jews in the city to do so on that fateful day. Their deaths embody the despair and fear that gripped many under Nazi rule.

The Stolperstein for Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld, placed at Fremersbergstraße 41, ensures her story is remembered amidst the bustle of modern Baden-Baden (Commons Wikimedia).

Design and Symbolism

Each Stolperstein begins with “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”), followed by the victim’s name and biographical details, forever linking personal history to a specific location (Stichting Stolpersteine). The act of reading a Stolperstein requires bending down, a gesture of humility and respect.

The Stolpersteine project is rooted in the Talmudic principle: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” By restoring names and fates to individuals, Stolpersteine resist the anonymity imposed by mass murder (Pebble Galaxy).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld

Location and Accessibility

Address: Fremersbergstraße 41, Baden-Baden
How to Get There: The site is a short walk from the city center and accessible by public transportation, car, or on foot.
Accessibility: The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk, generally accessible to all. Some pavements may be uneven, so comfortable footwear is advised.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7.
Tickets: No tickets or reservations are required; the memorial is free and open to the public.

Guided Tours and Community Events

Local organizations, such as the Arbeitskreis Stolpersteine Baden-Baden, offer guided tours focusing on the city’s Jewish heritage and Stolpersteine. These tours provide historical context and personal narratives behind the stones. Advance booking is recommended, especially during commemorative periods.
Annual events, including International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9), often feature Stolperstein cleaning and remembrance ceremonies. Visitors are welcome to attend and participate.

Enhancing Your Visit: Nearby Attractions

Extend your exploration of Baden-Baden’s history by visiting these sites:

Museum Frieder Burda: Renowned for modern and contemporary art.
Kurhaus Baden-Baden: Historic spa and casino.
Lichtentaler Allee: A scenic parkway, ideal for reflective walks.
Stadtmuseum and Stadtarchiv: Learn more about the city’s Jewish community and local history.
Jewish Cemetery: Offers further insight into the community’s heritage.

These landmarks are within walking distance and can be integrated into a day of remembrance and cultural exploration.

Practical Visitor Tips

Photography: Respectful photography is permitted. Avoid disturbing local residents or blocking sidewalks.
Commemorative Acts: Visitors often bring flowers or small stones and clean Stolpersteine as acts of remembrance.
Maps and Apps: Interactive maps and mobile apps, such as Audiala, help locate Stolpersteine and related sites.

Educational and Community Engagement

The Stolpersteine initiative in Baden-Baden is sustained by grassroots participation. Community members, schools, and organizations contribute research, sponsor stones, and maintain them. If you wish to support or participate, contact the Arbeitskreis Stolpersteine Baden-Baden or learn more on their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution at their last chosen residences.

Where is Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld’s Stolperstein located?
At Fremersbergstraße 41, Baden-Baden.

Are there visiting hours or admission fees?
No. Stolpersteine are public memorials, accessible at any time, free of charge.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local organizations offer guided tours about Baden-Baden’s Stolpersteine and Jewish history.

Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
Generally yes, as the stones are on public pavements, though some sidewalks may be uneven.

Visual Media

Stolperstein for Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld in Baden-Baden

Alt text: Stolperstein for Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld in Baden-Baden, a small brass plaque embedded in the pavement.

Sample Itinerary: A Reflective Day in Baden-Baden

Morning: Visit the Stolperstein for Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld and participate in a commemorative cleaning or remembrance activity.
Late Morning: Explore the Stadtmuseum or Stadtarchiv for background on Baden-Baden’s Jewish community.
Afternoon: Relax at Caracalla Spa or Friedrichsbad; stroll along Lichtentaler Allee.
Evening: Attend a cultural event at the Festspielhaus or Museum Frieder Burda for a full-day experience blending remembrance and culture.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Visiting the Stolperstein for Lilly Rosalie Bielefeld in Baden-Baden is more than a historical outing—it is an act of remembrance that honors individual lives and promotes reflection on the legacy of the Holocaust. The Stolpersteine make visible the stories behind the statistics, ensuring that victims are not forgotten. By engaging with these poignant memorials, you become part of a broader effort to preserve memory, uphold human dignity, and foster tolerance.

For the most meaningful experience, consider joining a guided tour, attending a commemorative event, or exploring adjacent cultural sites. Use the Audiala app or local maps to navigate the city’s Stolpersteine and deepen your understanding of Baden-Baden’s heritage.