Stolperstein Dedicated To Fanny Liesel Silber

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Fanny Liesel Silber in Mainz, Germany: Tickets, Hours, and Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Fanny Liesel Silber in Mainz, Germany, offers a personal and moving connection to the city’s Jewish past and the broader history of the Holocaust. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are brass-plated memorials created by artist Gunter Demnig to commemorate victims of National Socialism. These small plaques are placed in front of victims’ last freely chosen residences, transforming the city’s streets into sites of remembrance and reflection (Stolpersteine.eu, Mainz.de).

Fanny Liesel Silber’s Stolperstein is located at the intersection of Seilergasse and Mailandsgasse in Mainz’s historic Altstadt. Born in 1922, Fanny fled the Nazis for France, was interned in Angers, and ultimately deported and murdered in Auschwitz in 1942. Her memorial is both a tribute to her life and a reminder of the destroyed Jewish community of Mainz. This guide provides the history and significance of the Stolperstein project, Fanny Liesel Silber’s story, practical visitor information, etiquette, and tips for enriching your visit with nearby attractions.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Significance

The Stolpersteine project began in the early 1990s when German artist Gunter Demnig installed the first stone in Cologne to honor Sinti and Roma Holocaust victims. Since then, the project has expanded to more than 100,000 stones in over 21 European countries, remembering Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others persecuted by the Nazis (LBI News, Smithsonian Folklife Magazine). Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass plaque set into the pavement, hand-engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and, if known, place and date of death.

The project’s decentralized approach personalizes remembrance and integrates memory into daily urban life. Passersby are invited to “stumble upon” these stories, making Holocaust memory an active part of the city’s landscape.

Mainz and the Holocaust: Local Context

In 1933, Mainz had a vibrant Jewish community of about 2,600 people. Systematic persecution under the Nazis led to escalating oppression, mass deportations, and the near-total destruction of Jewish life in the city. The last major deportation took place in February 1943. Today, over 340 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (a larger threshold memorial) have been installed in Mainz to honor these victims (Mainz.de, Mainz Stolperstein List (PDF)).

Fanny Liesel Silber: Her Story

Fanny Liesel Silber was born in Mainz in 1922. Facing Nazi persecution, she fled to France in 1939, where she was interned in Angers. In 1942, she was deported and murdered in Auschwitz. Her Stolperstein records these details and marks her last self-chosen address in Mainz. The stone was installed on March 13, 2013, sponsored by the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e.V. and the Frauenlob-Gymnasium Mainz (Mainz Stolperstein List (PDF), p.12; Kulturreise-Ideen.de).

Practical Visitor Guide

Location & How to Find the Stolperstein

Address: Intersection of Seilergasse and Mailandsgasse, 55116 Mainz, Germany
The memorial is embedded in the public sidewalk and is accessible at any time, in a pedestrian-friendly area.
The site is a 15-minute walk from Mainz Hauptbahnhof and close to major landmarks such as Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum (Mainz Stolperstein List (PDF), p.12).

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Access: 24/7, no entrance fee or tickets required.
Accessibility: The area is level and suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

Etiquette & Remembrance

Pause, read, and reflect quietly at the memorial.
It is traditional to place small stones, flowers, or candles as gestures of remembrance.
If you notice the plaque is tarnished, gently polishing it with a soft cloth is a recognized act of respect.
Discreet photography is permitted, but be respectful of the solemnity and of local residents.

Educational & Reflective Opportunities

Local schools and historical societies often offer guided tours and educational programs focusing on Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage in Mainz. Advance booking is recommended (Mainz Tourismus, Kulturreise-Ideen.de).
For self-guided exploration, consult the official Mainz Stolperstein List (PDF) and consider using the Audiala app for audio tours.

Nearby Attractions

Neue Synagoge: Remarkable for its modern architecture and symbolism.
Judensand: One of Europe’s oldest Jewish cemeteries.
Landesmuseum Mainz: Features Judaica and local history exhibitions.
Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom) and the Rhine promenade: Ideal for reflective walks and photographs.

These sites are easily combined with a visit to the Stolperstein.

Community Engagement & Digital Memorials

Regular cleaning and commemoration ceremonies take place on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the Kristallnacht anniversary (November 9).
Digital resources, including online databases (Stolpersteine.eu), expand global access to these stories and locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial accessible free of charge.

Q: Are there set visiting hours?
A: No, the memorial is outdoors and can be visited at any time.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided and educational tours are offered by the Mainz Tourist Information office and local organizations. Check schedules and book in advance.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the Stolperstein is installed flush with the pavement in a pedestrian area.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but please be respectful of the site and those who live nearby.

Summary and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Fanny Liesel Silber in Mainz is a powerful reminder of both personal tragedy and collective history. Accessible around the clock, it invites visitors to pause, remember, and reflect on the enduring lessons of the Holocaust. Its location in the Altstadt, near key cultural sites, offers opportunities for deeper exploration of Mainz’s Jewish heritage. Enhance your visit by participating in guided tours, joining commemorative events, and using resources like the Audiala app for self-guided or audio experiences.

By engaging respectfully with the Stolperstein and related memorials, visitors contribute to a living culture of remembrance and ensure that the stories of victims like Fanny Liesel Silber are never forgotten.