Stolperstein Dedicated To Karoline Tschornicki

Stolperstein Karoline Tschornicki Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein for Karoline Tschornicki in Mainz stands as a powerful reminder of the individuals who suffered under Nazi persecution. As part of a Europe-wide memorial project, these small brass plaques embedded in pavements commemorate the lives and stories of Holocaust victims in the very places they once lived. Visiting a Stolperstein is a uniquely intimate way to engage with history—one that invites reflection, remembrance, and deeper understanding.

This guide provides detailed historical and practical information for visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Karoline Tschornicki, as well as context on Mainz’s broader network of memorials, tour options, accessibility, and nearby historical attractions.

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Impact

Launched by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, the Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is now the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 116,000 stones installed in more than 1,860 municipalities across 31 countries (stolpersteine.eu). Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete block topped with a hand-engraved brass plate, inscribed with the name, birth year, and fate of a Holocaust victim. They are placed in front of the person’s last freely chosen residence, embedding remembrance into everyday life (bpb.de).

The project’s decentralized and participatory nature encourages local communities, families, schools, and civic groups to take an active role in research, funding, and installation. This grassroots approach democratizes remembrance and ensures that the stories of victims like Karoline Tschornicki remain visible and personal (mainz1933-1945.de).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Scope and Significance

Mainz, with its rich Jewish heritage, has embraced the Stolpersteine project as a core element of its public memory culture. As of January 2025, the city is home to 341 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (threshold stone), commemorating Jewish citizens, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, and other victims of Nazi terror (mainz.de). Most stones are found in the historic Altstadt, marking the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted.

Local organizations such as the Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V. drive educational initiatives, guided tours, and digital archives to deepen public engagement and learning (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de). These efforts ensure that memory remains dynamic and accessible to all.

Karoline Tschornicki and Her Memorial

Historical Background

Born Karoline Casper in 1876, Karoline Tschornicki was part of a family deeply rooted in Mainz’s vibrant Jewish community. She and her husband Jakob Tschornicki raised their family on Große Bleiche—one of the city’s central streets—until forced displacement under the Nazi regime. The family’s story reflects both the flourishing of Jewish life in Mainz before World War II and the tragic ruptures inflicted by persecution.

The Stolperstein for Karoline Tschornicki, and the nearby memorial on Große Bleiche, stand as tributes to her personal history and the broader fate of Mainz’s Jewish population, which numbered approximately 2,600 before the rise of National Socialism (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Visiting the Stolperstein: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Location

The Stolperstein for Karoline Tschornicki is installed in Mainz, typically at her last freely chosen residence in the Altstadt district. While the exact address can be found on the Wikidata entry and the official Stolpersteine Mainz website, most stones are easily located using the website’s interactive map. Walking through the Altstadt, visitors will find these brass plaques embedded flush with the pavement in front of historic homes.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Hours: Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7, as they are part of public sidewalks.
Admission: No tickets are required; visiting is always free.

Accessibility

The sites are generally wheelchair accessible, though visitors should be aware of occasional uneven pavement in historic areas.
Informational plaques in German and English are available at many sites.
For those with mobility needs, advance planning is recommended using digital maps.

Guided Tours and Educational Resources

To gain deeper insight, consider joining a guided tour offered by organizations like the Haus des Erinnerns (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de). These tours, led by historians and educators, provide context on the lives commemorated and the broader history of Mainz’s Jewish community.

Self-guided tours are also possible thanks to digital resources:

Interactive Maps: Find Stolpersteine throughout Mainz (stolpersteine-mainz.de)
Biographical Databases: Access detailed stories, photos, and archival documents related to each stone
Mobile Apps: Download the Audiala app for audio guides and walking routes

Special commemorative events are held annually, particularly around Holocaust Remembrance Day, and often include public cleaning of the brass plaques.

The Karoline Tschornicki Memorial on Große Bleiche

Complementing the Stolperstein, the Karoline Tschornicki Memorial on Große Bleiche honors the family’s cultural and educational legacy. The memorial site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with free admission. Guided tours, available upon request, provide deeper historical context and can be booked via the Mainz city cultural website (mainz.de).

The memorial is wheelchair accessible and features multilingual information plaques. Visitors are encouraged to contact the cultural office in advance for special accommodations.

Integrating Your Visit with Mainz’s Historical Sites

While exploring Stolpersteine, take time to visit other landmarks within walking distance:

Mainz Cathedral: Romanesque architecture from the 10th century (Wild Trips: Mainz Cathedral)
Gutenberg Museum: Dedicated to printing history and the inventor of the Gutenberg Bible
St. Stephan’s Church: Known for Marc Chagall’s stained glass windows
Kirschgarten: Picturesque square with half-timbered houses and cafes
Rhine River Promenade: Ideal for reflection after your memorial visits

Visitor Etiquette and Recommendations

Approach the Stolpersteine with respect and quiet contemplation
Avoid stepping directly on the brass plates
Photography is permitted, but be discreet and mindful of the solemnity of the memorial
Join in cleaning the stones during remembrance events if you wish to participate in local traditions
Weekday visits are typically quieter for reflection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Stolpersteine free to visit?
Yes, they are public memorials and accessible at any time.

Is there a fee or ticket required?
No, visiting is always free of charge.

Where can I find the Stolperstein for Karoline Tschornicki?
Use the interactive map on the official Stolpersteine Mainz website or consult the Wikidata entry.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, through organizations like Haus des Erinnerns and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V. Booking in advance is recommended.

Is the memorial site wheelchair accessible?
Yes, but some streets may be uneven—plan accordingly.

When is the best time to visit?
Spring to fall offers pleasant weather, and commemorative events are often held in January.

Can I participate in caring for the Stolpersteine?
Yes, especially during remembrance days, community members are invited to clean the brass plaques.

Digital Resources and Further Exploration

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Karoline Tschornicki is more than a marker in the pavement—it’s an invitation to bear witness, reflect, and learn from the tragedies and resilience of the past. By engaging with Mainz’s Stolpersteine, participating in guided or self-guided tours, and exploring nearby historical sites, visitors actively contribute to the preservation of memory and the promotion of tolerance.

To enrich your visit, download the Audiala app for guided tours, access digital archives, and follow local organizations on social media for updates on events and installations. Your engagement helps keep history alive and relevant for future generations.