Stolperstein Dedicated to Anny Salomon

Introduction

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) dedicated to Anny Salomon in Mainz stands as a subtle but powerful tribute to one of the countless Jewish victims of Nazi persecution. As part of the largest decentralized memorial project in the world, Stolpersteine bring the memory of individuals to the places they once lived, embedding history within the everyday flow of city life. This guide provides comprehensive information for visitors—including location, accessibility, hours, related historical context, and practical tips—for a respectful and meaningful experience at the Anny Salomon Stolperstein in Mainz.

(Stolpersteine Official Website)
(Stolpersteine Mainz)
(Traces of War)

Historical Background of the Stolperstein Project

The Stolpersteine project was initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 as a way to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. Each Stolperstein is a small concrete block topped with a brass plaque, inscribed with the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and—if known—place and date of death. As of 2024, over 116,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across 31 European countries, making it the world’s largest decentralized memorial initiative. The project memorializes Jews, Roma and Sinti, political dissidents, people with disabilities, homosexuals, and others targeted by the Nazi regime.

Stolpersteine are intentionally placed in everyday settings—sidewalks, courtyards, and neighborhood streets—integrating remembrance into daily urban life and inviting passersby to pause and reflect.

(Stolpersteine Official Website)
(Mainz.de)

Anny Salomon: Life, Persecution, and Remembrance

Anny Salomon, née Baer, was born in 1888 and lived in Mainz with her husband Fritz Salomon and their children. They operated Schuhhaus Manes, a successful shoe business with 18 branches. The Salomons were well-integrated into Mainz society and celebrated both Jewish and Christian traditions. However, after the Nazi rise to power in 1933, their business and social life rapidly deteriorated: Jewish businesses were boycotted, marked with “Jüdisches Unternehmen” signs, and gradually forced to close.

The family faced increasing isolation and hardship. Their son emigrated to South Africa, and in 1939, Fritz Salomon died by suicide. In 1942, Anny Salomon was deported to Piaski, a transit ghetto in occupied Poland, where she perished. Her memory—and that of so many others—is preserved through the Stolperstein project.

(SWR2 Stolpersteine)
(Stolpersteine Mainz)

Location and Physical Description

• Address: Kaiserstraße 37, 55116 Mainz, Germany

• District: Mainz-Neustadt

• The Stolperstein for Anny Salomon is embedded in the sidewalk in front of her last freely chosen residence. The brass plate reads:

  Hier wohnte
  Anny Salomon
  geb. Baer
  Jg. 1888
  Deportiert 1942
  Piaski

The stone is flush with the pavement, easily visible to pedestrians, and surrounded by other Stolpersteine commemorating family members and neighbors.

(Mapcarta)
(Waymarking.com)

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours & Tickets

• Open Access: The Stolperstein for Anny Salomon is a public memorial embedded in the sidewalk and accessible 24/7, year-round.
• Tickets: No tickets or reservations are required. The site is free to visit.

Accessibility

• The site is located on a flat, paved sidewalk suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Some surrounding streets may have cobblestones or uneven surfaces; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Travel Tips

• Getting There: Mainz Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) is within a 10-minute walk; public trams and buses stop nearby.
• Parking: Limited street parking is available; public garages are nearby.
• Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter, more contemplative experiences.

On-Site Experience & Etiquette

• Reflection: Pause to read the inscription and reflect on Anny Salomon’s life and fate.
• Traditions: Placing a small stone or flower is a respectful act of remembrance.
• Cleaning: It is common in Germany to gently clean or polish Stolpersteine as a sign of care.
• Photography: Allowed, but please be discreet and mindful of residents.
• Behavior: Maintain a respectful silence and avoid blocking the sidewalk.

Nearby Historical Sites & Attractions

• Christuskirche: A prominent Protestant church nearby.
• Arch of Dativius Victor: A Roman monument reflecting Mainz's ancient past.
• Mainz Altstadt (Old Town): Offers further opportunities to explore Jewish heritage and city history.
• Haus des Erinnerns: Center for remembrance and democracy, featuring exhibitions on local Holocaust history.

(The Crazy Tourist)
(jguideeurope.org)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there any fees or tickets required to visit the Anny Salomon Stolperstein?
A: No. The memorial is public and free to visit at any time.

Q: How do I get to the Stolperstein in Mainz?
A: The site is centrally located, accessible by foot, bicycle, public transport, or car. Mainz Hauptbahnhof is nearby.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Check local organizations or the tourist office for schedules.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: The Stolperstein is on flat pavement, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Some surrounding streets may have cobblestones.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but please be respectful and avoid disrupting residents or traffic.