Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Siegfried Ladenburg in Mainz, Germany: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, created by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, stands as the world’s largest decentralized memorial to victims of Nazi persecution. These small brass plaques, embedded in city sidewalks across Europe, mark the last freely chosen residences of those targeted by the Nazi regime—Jews, Roma and Sinti, political opponents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others.
In Mainz, a city with a deeply rooted Jewish heritage, the Stolpersteine serve as powerful reminders of the city’s once-vibrant Jewish community and its tragic decimation during the Holocaust. Among these memorials is the Stolperstein dedicated to Siegfried Ladenburg, a Jewish resident whose life was cut short by Nazi persecution. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the origins and significance of the Stolpersteine project, practical details for visiting the Siegfried Ladenburg Stolperstein, and tips for engaging respectfully with Mainz’s culture of remembrance (Mainz.de; pragueviews.com; LSB Rheinland-Pfalz).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project
- Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local History and Memorial Culture
- Visiting Stolpersteine in Mainz: Practical Information
- Cultural and Memorial Significance
- Siegfried Ladenburg Stolperstein: Historical Background, Location, and Visitor Guide
- Practical Visitor Tips and Etiquette
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Visual and Multimedia Resources
- Additional Resources and Contacts
- Conclusion and Call to Action
- References
Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project
The Stolpersteine project is a decentralized memorial initiative honoring individual victims of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution. Each stone, a 10x10 cm hand-inscribed brass plaque, is set into the pavement in front of the victim’s last self-chosen residence. Each inscription lists the victim’s name, birthdate, fate, and, if known, date and place of death (Germany.info; Mainz.de).
The guiding ethos is rooted in the Talmudic maxim: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” By restoring names and stories to the victims, the Stolpersteine move commemoration out of museums and into daily life, prompting spontaneous reflection and remembrance (Germany.info).
As of 2025, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in over 21 European countries, making it the largest decentralized memorial project globally (Mainz.de; Folklife Magazine).
Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local History and Memorial Culture
Before the Nazi regime, Mainz had a thriving Jewish community of around 2,600 members. The community’s destruction began with systematic persecution and culminated in mass deportations. By 1945, only a few Jewish residents remained, and historians estimate that between 1,300 and 1,400 Mainz Jews were murdered during the Holocaust (Mainz.de).
The first Stolpersteine in Mainz were laid in 2007. As of May 2025, there are 351 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (threshold stone) across Mainz and Mainz-Kastel, each marking the lived presence and tragic fate of individual victims (Mainz.de).
Visiting Stolpersteine in Mainz: Practical Information
Locations and Accessibility
Stolpersteine are found throughout Mainz, especially in the Altstadt (Old Town) and Mainz-Kastel, marking the sites where victims last lived freely. Most stones are easily accessible on foot, and their public placement means they can be visited at any time.
Visiting Hours and Tickets
No tickets or reservations are required—the Stolpersteine are part of the public urban landscape and can be visited 24 hours a day, year-round, free of charge.
Guided Tours and Special Events
Local museums and organizations offer guided tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Mainz’s Jewish history. Special events, particularly around International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, may include cleaning ceremonies or commemorative walks (pragueviews.com). For schedules, consult the Mainz tourist office or the Stolpersteine Mainz website.
Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with other historical sites such as the Mainz Cathedral, Gutenberg Museum, the Jewish Museum of Mainz, and the House of Remembrance (diereiseule.com; WildTrips Mainz).
Recommended Photographic Spots
The Altstadt’s cobbled streets and historic facades provide evocative backgrounds for the Stolpersteine. Please photograph discreetly and respectfully.
Cultural and Memorial Significance
Community Engagement and Rituals
Stolpersteine installations are often accompanied by ceremonies involving local residents, descendants, school groups, and sponsoring organizations. Many communities, including Mainz, mark remembrance days by cleaning and polishing the stones, transforming maintenance into a communal act of respect (Folklife Magazine).
Decentralized Memorialization
Unlike centralized monuments, Stolpersteine embed the memory of victims in the fabric of daily life, scattering remembrance across neighborhoods and making history tangible to passersby (Folklife Magazine).
Controversies and Dialogue
Some critics, particularly in cities like Munich, argue that placing names “underfoot” is disrespectful. As a result, some municipalities have restricted installations to private property. Supporters contend that the act of “stumbling upon” these stones prompts personal reflection and keeps memory alive within the community (Folklife Magazine).
Educational and Social Impact
Stolpersteine foster public dialogue and education, inspiring school projects, research, and intergenerational conversation. In Mainz, they have encouraged renewed interest in the stories of Jewish residents and the city’s broader memory culture (LSB Rheinland-Pfalz).
Siegfried Ladenburg Stolperstein: Historical Background, Location, and Visitor Guide
Who Was Siegfried Ladenburg?
Siegfried Ladenburg was a Jewish resident of Mainz who suffered persecution and deportation during the Nazi era. While specific details about his life may be limited, his Stolperstein stands as a personal and collective memorial to the victims of Nazi terror (findagrave.com).
Location
The Stolperstein for Siegfried Ladenburg is embedded in the pavement outside his last self-chosen residence in Mainz’s Altstadt. For the precise address, refer to the Stolpersteine Mainz digital registry or inquire at the Mainz Tourist Office.
Visiting Hours and Accessibility
- Open Access: 24/7, year-round.
- Admission: Free; no tickets required.
- Accessibility: Most sites are accessible, though cobblestones and uneven surfaces may present challenges for some visitors.
Guided Tours and Special Events
Guided tours are available through local heritage organizations and the Mainz Tourist Office, offering context and personal stories about the Stolpersteine and the city’s Jewish heritage.
Rituals of Remembrance
Cleaning Stolpersteine, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a widely respected tradition. Visitors may participate by gently polishing the plaque or placing a small stone or flower as a sign of respect (pragueviews.com).
Practical Visitor Tips and Etiquette
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.
- Pause and reflect at each Stolperstein; reading the inscription is an act of remembrance.
- Photography is permitted, but should be discreet and not obstruct pedestrian traffic.
- Contributions: Leaving a small stone or flower is a meaningful gesture.
- Cleanliness: If you wish, bring a soft cloth to clean the brass plaque.
- Engagement: Consider joining a guided tour or commemorative event to deepen your understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Siegfried Ladenburg Stolperstein located?
It is set in the pavement outside his last known residence in Mainz’s Altstadt. For exact details, use the Stolpersteine Mainz online registry or consult the Mainz Tourist Office.
What are the visiting hours?
Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7, free of charge.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, check with the Mainz Tourist Office or local heritage organizations.
Is the site accessible for those with mobility challenges?
Most locations are accessible, but be prepared for cobblestone streets.
Can I take photos or leave flowers?
Yes—photography is welcome if respectful, and leaving small stones or flowers is a traditional sign of respect.
Visual and Multimedia Resources
Official tourism and remembrance websites provide high-quality images and interactive maps of Stolpersteine in Mainz. Explore virtual tours and image galleries through the Stolpersteine Mainz website.
Additional Resources and Contacts
- Stolpersteine Mainz Digital Registry: https://stolpersteine-mainz.de/index.php/stolpersteine-in-mainz/biografien/
- Mainz Tourist Information: Markt 17 (Domplatz), open Mon–Sat, 10 am–6 pm (Mainz Tourism)
- House of Remembrance: Exhibitions and educational programs related to Mainz’s memory culture.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Siegfried Ladenburg Stolperstein in Mainz offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s history and participate in a living act of remembrance. By pausing at this modest brass plaque, you contribute to the ongoing effort to honor the memory of those who suffered and to ensure that future generations do not forget.
Plan your visit today—explore other Stolpersteine, attend a guided tour, and experience Mainz’s rich historical and cultural landscape. For self-guided audio tours and up-to-date information, download the Audiala app and follow local heritage organizations on social media.
References
- Mainz.de
- Folklife Magazine
- pragueviews.com
- Stolpersteine Mainz Official Website
- LSB Rheinland-Pfalz
- findagrave.com
- diereiseule.com
- WildTrips Mainz
