Stolperstein Dedicated to Alice Krieger

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Alice Krieger in Mainz, Germany, provides a deeply moving opportunity to engage with the city’s living memory of Holocaust victims. Stolpersteine—literally “stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques installed in the pavement at the last freely chosen residences of victims of Nazi persecution. This guide offers detailed information on the history and cultural significance of Stolpersteine, practical visitor advice for accessing the Alice Krieger memorial, and tips for a respectful, educational experience in Mainz.

The Stolperstein Project: History and Purpose

The Stolperstein project was initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig as a decentralized memorial to the victims of the Nazi regime. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque inscribed with the name and fate of an individual, set into the sidewalk outside their former home or workplace. The project’s intent is to bring remembrance of the Holocaust and Nazi atrocities into the heart of everyday life, inviting passersby to pause and reflect (Wikipedia; Stolpersteine Mainz).

As of 2025, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in more than 21 European countries, making this the world’s largest decentralized memorial. The stones commemorate not only Jewish victims, but also Roma and Sinti, political dissidents, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others persecuted by the Nazis (Germany.info; Folklife Magazine).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: A Local Context

Mainz, a city with a once-thriving Jewish community, saw its population decimated during the Nazi era. Between 1,300 and 1,400 Mainz Jews were murdered in the Holocaust (Mainz City). The Stolpersteine project began in Mainz in 2007 and has since grown to over 340 stones across the city, each marking the last residence of a victim (Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in Mainz).

Stolpersteine in Mainz are placed by private initiative and supported by local organizations such as the Haus des Erinnerns – Für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e.V. (Stolpersteine Mainz). These grassroots efforts have integrated remembrance into Mainz’s neighborhoods, near landmarks like the Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum.

The Stolperstein for Alice Krieger: Individual Remembrance

Alice Krieger’s Stolperstein is a powerful example of personalized commemoration. Installed in front of her last freely chosen residence, her stone bears her name, birth date, deportation date, and, if known, her fate. This micro-monument restores her story to public memory, transforming an abstract tragedy into a tangible, personal encounter (Germany.info; Stolpersteine Mainz Official Website).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

• Location: The Stolperstein is placed at Alice Krieger’s last address in Mainz. The official Stolpersteine Mainz directory provides exact location details and a searchable map.
• Visiting Hours: Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and are accessible 24/7, year-round.
• Tickets: There are no tickets or entry fees. All Stolpersteine are freely accessible to the public.
• Accessibility: The stones are flush with the pavement, generally accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments. However, some old town streets may be uneven—please use caution.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Best Time to Visit: Stolpersteine can be visited at any time, but mornings or late afternoons offer quieter moments for reflection.
• Etiquette: Approach Stolpersteine with respect. It is customary to pause, read the inscription, and, if you wish, place a small stone or flower beside the plaque. Avoid stepping directly on the stone.
• Photography: Discreet photography is permitted, but please respect the privacy of nearby residents.
• Maintenance: On Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and similar dates, locals gather to clean and polish the stones—a ritual you are welcome to join (Folklife Magazine).
• Language: Inscriptions are in German; a translation app or guidebook will be helpful.

Guided Tours and Community Involvement

Several organizations in Mainz offer guided Stolpersteine walks that provide historical context and personal stories. The Haus des Erinnerns – Für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and Mainz Tourist Information Center are excellent resources for booking tours and finding educational materials.

The Stolperstein project is sustained by community engagement. Residents, schools, and civic organizations research victims’ histories, sponsor stones, and participate in installation and maintenance. This collective involvement underscores the project’s ongoing relevance and educational value (Folklife Magazine).

Nearby Historical Sites in Mainz

To enrich your visit, consider exploring these nearby attractions:

• Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom): A Romanesque masterpiece and city landmark.
• Gutenberg Museum: Dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of movable type.
• Haus des Erinnerns – Für Demokratie und Akzeptanz: A remembrance and education center.
• Jewish Museum Mainz and the New Synagogue: Both highlight Mainz’s rich Jewish heritage.

Rituals and Acts of Remembrance

Visitors are invited to engage in acts of remembrance at the Stolperstein. This may include cleaning the brass plaque, placing a flower or stone, or pausing for silent reflection. These traditions, rooted in Jewish mourning customs, help keep the memory of victims like Alice Krieger alive.

FAQ

What are Stolpersteine?
Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution.

Where is the Alice Krieger Stolperstein located?
At her last freely chosen residence in Mainz, as listed in the Stolpersteine Mainz directory.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local organizations and the Mainz Tourism Office offer tours focused on Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage.

Is there a fee to visit?
No. All Stolpersteine are publicly accessible and free of charge.

Are the sites wheelchair accessible?
Generally yes, though some historic sidewalks in Mainz may be uneven.

Visuals and Media

Alt text: Alice Krieger Stolperstein brass plaque embedded in Mainz sidewalk

For more images and interactive maps:
Interactive Map of Stolpersteine in Mainz

Final Recommendations

• Prepare for your visit using the Stolpersteine Mainz website.
• Combine your visit with nearby historical sites for a comprehensive experience.
• Support remembrance efforts by participating in community events or donating to local projects.
• Download mobile apps such as Audiala for curated historical tours and stories.