Stolperstein Dedicated to Rosa Goldschmidt

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Rosa Goldschmidt in Baden-Baden, Germany, offers visitors a unique and poignant way to engage with the personal histories of Holocaust victims. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques set into the sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted by the Nazis. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 107,000 stones installed across 21 European countries by June 2025. Each Stolperstein invites passersby to remember an individual life, transforming everyday spaces into sites of reflection (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia).

Baden-Baden, a city celebrated for its spa traditions and cultural heritage, has participated in the Stolpersteine project since 2008. Among more than 200 stones in the city, the Stolperstein for Rosa Goldschmidt at Werderstraße 24 stands out as a testament to her story: a Jewish woman deported first to the Gurs internment camp and later to Auschwitz, where she was murdered in 1942 (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden; Mahnmal Neckarzimmern). This guide provides historical context, practical visitor details, and insights for a meaningful visit.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose

The Stolpersteine project was founded by Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s to commemorate victims of National Socialism, including Jews, Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, and others. Each brass plaque measures 10 x 10 cm and is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, and fate, placed at their last freely chosen residence. By 2024, more than 70,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across Europe, transforming public spaces into decentralized memorials (stolpersteine.eu; lbi.org).

The project’s philosophy is rooted in the saying, “A person is only forgotten when his name is forgotten,” making remembrance an everyday experience (Prague Views).

Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Local History and Memorials

Baden-Baden has embraced the Stolpersteine project since 2008, with over 200 stones commemorating victims across the city’s neighborhoods. The first stones were installed with support from local schools and cultural organizations, and the project continues to foster education and remembrance (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden; Wikipedia DE). Each Stolperstein restores the memory of an individual, embedding their story in the city’s streets.

Rosa Goldschmidt’s Stolperstein: A Personal Story

Rosa Goldschmidt was born on August 18, 1889, in Gelnhausen, Hessen. After relocating to Baden-Baden in 1939, she lived at Werderstraße 24 before being deported to Gurs internment camp in France in October 1940. She was subsequently transported through Drancy to Auschwitz, where she was murdered on September 4, 1942 (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). Her Stolperstein, installed on October 12, 2010, at Werderstraße 24, is inscribed:

HIER WOHNTE
ROSA GOLDSCHMIDT
JG. 1889
DEPORTIERT 1940
GURS 1942 AUSCHWITZ
ERMORDET

This memorial personalizes the tragedy of the Holocaust, inviting reflection on Rosa’s life and fate.

Visiting Information: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Location

• Address: Werderstraße 24, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany (Mahnmal Neckarzimmern)
• Nearby Landmarks: Marktplatz, Stiftskirche, and Baden-Baden’s Old Town (Germany Footsteps)

Hours and Admission

• Visiting Hours: Accessible 24/7 as part of the public sidewalk; no admission fee or tickets required.
• Accessibility: The Stolperstein is embedded flush with the pavement, making it accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility aids. Some city sidewalks may be uneven.

How to Get There

• By Foot: Easily walkable from the city center and major attractions.
• By Public Transport: Served by local buses with stops near Werderstraße. Consult city transit maps or apps for current routes.
• By Car: Parking available in nearby public lots.

Tips for a Respectful Visit

• Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and consider the person it honors.
• Respect the Memorial: Avoid stepping directly on the stone. Placing a flower or small stone is a traditional gesture of remembrance.
• Photography: Permitted, but maintain respect for residents and the solemnity of the site.
• Educational Preparation: Learn about the Stolpersteine project and Holocaust history before visiting, especially if visiting with children or students.
• Explore Further: Maps and lists of Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden are available online and at the city museum (Claudia Travels).

Cultural and Memorial Significance

Stolpersteine are a participatory public art project, embedding remembrance into daily life. Their placement outside former residences personalizes the memory of each victim, countering the anonymity imposed by the Nazis. The ongoing care and cleaning of Stolpersteine, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day, underscores community commitment to keeping memory alive (Stolpersteine.eu; Prague Views).

Local schools and organizations in Baden-Baden actively participate in researching biographies, sponsoring Stolpersteine, and organizing ceremonies, fostering intergenerational dialogue and education (Stadtwiki Baden-Baden).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an admission fee or ticket required to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No, Stolpersteine are public memorials and can be visited free of charge, at any time.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, it is generally accessible as it is flush with the pavement, but some sidewalks in Baden-Baden may be uneven.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided walking tours that include Stolpersteine and other sites related to Jewish history are occasionally available through local organizations and the Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden.

Q: How do I find other Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden?
A: Consult Stadtwiki Baden-Baden or the local tourist office for maps and information.

Nearby Historical and Cultural Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring Baden-Baden’s many historical sites, such as the Caracalla Spa, the Kurhaus, Lichtentaler Allee park, and the Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden, which provides broader context on the city’s Jewish history and Stolpersteine project (Germany Footsteps).

Community Involvement and Events

Baden-Baden’s Stolpersteine are supported by local schools, volunteers, and cultural organizations. Installation ceremonies and remembrance events often involve students, musicians, and descendants, fostering community engagement and education (goodnews4.de).

Discover More

Visiting the Stolperstein for Rosa Goldschmidt in Baden-Baden is a meaningful way to honor individual memory and engage with the city’s complex past. The Stolpersteine project transforms sidewalks into spaces of remembrance and reflection, ensuring that victims’ names and stories endure. We encourage visitors to engage respectfully, participate in local commemorative activities, and deepen their understanding through guided tours or educational resources. For more information, consult official tourism sites, download the Audiala app, and follow local cultural programs on social media for updates on events and new memorial installations.