Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Josef Przysucha in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Josef Przysucha

Stolperstein Josef Przysucha Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Josef Przysucha in Karlsruhe is a powerful testament to the city’s commitment to remembrance and education about Nazi persecution. Stolpersteine—German for “stumbling stones”—are brass plaques set into sidewalks to commemorate victims at their last freely chosen residence. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, this project has grown into the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, transforming everyday cityscapes into sites of personal and collective memory (Wikipedia; stolpersteine.eu).

This guide provides a detailed overview of the Stolperstein for Josef Przysucha, its historical significance, and practical information for visiting, including accessibility, guided tours, and integration with Karlsruhe’s broader remembrance culture. Whether you are a local, a tourist, or a history enthusiast, understanding this memorial deepens your connection to Karlsruhe’s ongoing dialogue with its past.

Historical Background of Stolpersteine
The Stolpersteine Project in Karlsruhe
Josef Przysucha: Biography and Memorial
Visiting the Stolperstein: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities
Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions
Community Engagement and Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Media Resources
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background of Stolpersteine

The Stolpersteine project was conceived by Gunter Demnig in 1992 to honor individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime. Each Stolperstein is a ten-centimeter concrete cube topped with a brass plate, inscribed with the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, date and place of death. These stones are placed at victims’ last freely chosen addresses, integrating remembrance into the flow of daily life (Wikipedia; stolpersteine.eu).

Originally focused on Jewish Holocaust victims, the project has expanded to commemorate Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, and people with disabilities (Stolpersteine.eu; ka-news.de). Over 107,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across nearly 1,900 communities in Europe (Wikipedia).

The philosophy behind Stolpersteine is rooted in the belief that “A person is only forgotten when his name is forgotten.” By requiring passersby to bow and read each plaque, the memorials evoke a gesture of respect and invite personal reflection (Prague Views).

The Stolpersteine Project in Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe has been part of the Stolpersteine project since 2005. The city now hosts nearly 300 stones across districts including Altstadt, Durlach, and Innenstadt (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe). These memorials commemorate a diverse group of victims—Jews, Sinti and Roma, political prisoners, religious minorities, and victims of the Nazi euthanasia program.

Community involvement is central to the project’s implementation in Karlsruhe. Local historians, students, and civic organizations conduct research and sponsor stones. The city’s Tiefbauamt coordinates installations, often marked by public ceremonies (stolpersteine.eu).

The Stolpersteine are especially concentrated in Karlsruhe’s Altstadt, with clusters in areas such as Mendelssohnplatz, Durlacher Tor, and Adlerstraße (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe). Each stone provides a tangible, accessible link to individual stories amid the urban landscape.

Josef Przysucha: Biography and Memorial

Josef Przysucha was born in 1887 in Lenkow, Poland, and later settled in Karlsruhe, where he worked as a tailor and shop owner. His life and business in the Altstadt became tragically entangled with the rise of Nazi persecution. As a victim of the regime’s “Aktion T4” euthanasia program, Przysucha’s story represents both the immigrant experience and the fate of many targeted by the Nazis (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe).

The Stolperstein for Josef Przysucha was laid in March 2016 as part of a special ceremony dedicated to the victims of Nazi euthanasia murders (Stadtzeitung Karlsruhe, 24. März 2016). Placed near his former home and business at Zähringerstraße 30, the stone anchors his memory within the fabric of Karlsruhe’s “Dörfle” district, standing as a symbol of both loss and resilience.

Visiting the Stolperstein: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Location: Zähringerstraße 30, Karlsruhe Altstadt (exact sidewalk placement in front of former residence/business)
Opening Hours: The Stolperstein is accessible to the public 24/7, year-round.
Admission: No tickets or entrance fees are required; the memorial is free and open to all.
Accessibility: The stone is located on a level sidewalk accessible to wheelchairs and those with mobility devices. However, some nearby streets have cobblestones, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Public transport is encouraged due to limited parking.

Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities

Several local organizations and museums offer guided tours focused on the Stolpersteine and Karlsruhe’s broader history of Nazi persecution. These walks provide historical context and personal stories behind individual stones, and often include stops at related memorials across the city. Advance booking is typically required.

Key resources for educational programs and tour schedules:

Maps and interactive resources can be accessed via the city’s remembrance website (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe) and through dedicated mobile apps.

Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring other significant sites in Karlsruhe, such as:

Karlsruhe Palace and Botanical Gardens: Explore the city’s origins and royal heritage.
Jewish Museum Karlsruhe: Offers broader context on Jewish life and culture.
Marktplatz: The city’s central square, rich in historic architecture.
Synagogue Memorial: Honoring Jewish community history.
Memorial to the Victims of National Socialism: Additional remembrance site.

Public transportation connects these destinations efficiently, and combining these visits provides a comprehensive historical experience.

Community Engagement and Maintenance

Community groups, schools, and volunteers play a vital role in researching, sponsoring, and maintaining Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe. Regular cleaning campaigns ensure the brass plaques remain legible and dignified (BNN.de). Events such as annual November 9th vigils (Pogromnacht/Kristallnacht) and Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies take place at Stolpersteine locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Stolperstein for Josef Przysucha located?
Zähringerstraße 30, Karlsruhe Altstadt, placed at the sidewalk in front of his former residence.

When can I visit?
Anytime. The memorial is outdoors and accessible 24/7.

Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
No. The Stolperstein is a public memorial, free to visit.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local museums and remembrance organizations offer tours—advanced booking is recommended.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the sidewalk location is accessible, though some nearby areas have cobblestones.

How can I get involved?
You can participate in cleaning campaigns, sponsor a Stolperstein, or join educational and community remembrance events.

Visual and Media Resources

Caption: The Stolperstein commemorating Josef Przysucha, embedded in the sidewalk in Karlsruhe.

Interactive maps, high-resolution images, and virtual tours are available through official websites. For optimal accessibility and search engine visibility, use alt text such as “Stolpersteine Karlsruhe visiting hours” and “Stolperstein Josef Przysucha.”

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Stolperstein for Josef Przysucha is a moving and accessible entry point into Karlsruhe’s rich culture of remembrance. As part of the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, it invites visitors to reflect on individual lives lost to Nazi persecution and the enduring importance of memory. By visiting, participating in community events, and utilizing educational resources, you help sustain this vital commemoration.

For further information, tour bookings, and updates on events, consult the official Karlsruhe tourism website, follow local remembrance organizations on social media, or download the Stolpersteine app for interactive maps and biographies.