Complete Guide to Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Rosi Ehrenreich in Wiesbaden, Germany
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Rosi Ehrenreich in Wiesbaden, Germany, offers a profound and personal encounter with the city’s Jewish heritage and the ongoing legacy of Holocaust remembrance. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques set into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted by the Nazis. Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with more than 100,000 stones installed across Europe (stolpersteinecz.cz; pragueviews.com).
Rosi Ehrenreich’s Stolperstein, located at Neugasse 3 in Wiesbaden, sits among stones commemorating her relatives and neighbors. This memorial, flush with the pavement, invites passersby to pause, reflect, and engage with the memory of individuals whose lives were irreparably altered by Nazi persecution (commons.wikimedia.org; mapcarta.com). Accessible at all hours and free of charge, the Stolperstein project democratizes remembrance, embedding history in the midst of daily life (tourismus.wiesbaden.de; wiesbaden-lebt.de).
In Wiesbaden, Stolpersteine are actively maintained by local organizations, schools, and descendants, who also arrange guided tours and commemorative events—especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day. This guide offers practical information, historical context, and visitor tips to ensure a meaningful and respectful experience at the Stolperstein for Rosi Ehrenreich (am-spiegelgasse.de; lbi.org).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Background: The Stolpersteine Project
- The Stolperstein for Rosi Ehrenreich: Biography and Significance
- Symbolism and Cultural Impact
- Community Involvement and Installation
- Educational Value and Ongoing Dialogue
- Controversies and Perspectives
- Practical Visitor Information: Location, Hours, Accessibility
- Guided Tours and Digital Resources
- Etiquette and Respectful Conduct
- Nearby Memorials and Attractions
- Travel Tips and Safety
- Supporting the Stolperstein Project
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Visual and Interactive Resources
- Conclusion and Call to Action
Historical Background: The Stolpersteine Project
The Stolpersteine project, launched by Gunter Demnig in 1992, is the largest decentralized memorial to the victims of National Socialism. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-capped cobblestone, placed outside the last freely chosen residence of an individual persecuted or murdered by the Nazis. The plaques are engraved with the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, date and place of death, thereby transforming statistics into personal narratives (stolpersteinecz.cz; pragueviews.com).
Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, has embraced this project wholeheartedly. As of December 2024, the city is home to 784 Stolpersteine at 427 addresses, one of the highest densities in Germany (Wikipedia).
The Stolperstein for Rosi Ehrenreich: Biography and Significance
Rosi Ehrenreich’s Stolperstein is placed at Neugasse 3, Wiesbaden, her last freely chosen residence. Installed on October 19, 2016, it is joined by those for Benni and Mary Ehrenreich and Leon Golomb (commons.wikimedia.org). While detailed public records on Rosi Ehrenreich are limited (wikidata.org), her commemoration ensures her name and fate are not forgotten.
The Stolpersteine personalize history, anchoring memory in the urban landscape. The inscription “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”) followed by Rosi’s details transforms an ordinary street into a site of remembrance and reflection (mapcarta.com).
Symbolism and Cultural Impact
Unlike grand monuments, Stolpersteine are subtle and integrated into daily life. Their street-level placement means that people “stumble” upon them, triggering spontaneous reflection. As artist Demnig noted, “To read the stone, you must bow down before the victim” (pragueviews.com). This humble approach democratizes remembrance, inviting everyone to engage with history.
In Wiesbaden, the Stolpersteine foster dialogue about tolerance, memory, and responsibility, and are cared for by residents, volunteers, and descendants, especially during commemorative events.
Community Involvement and Installation
The process of researching victims, raising funds, and organizing installations is a community effort. The stones for Rosi Ehrenreich and her family were unveiled in a public ceremony, attended by locals, descendants, and remembrance organizations (am-spiegelgasse.de). Such ceremonies are moments of both mourning and affirmation, reinforcing Wiesbaden’s commitment to preserving its Jewish history.
Educational Value and Ongoing Dialogue
Stolpersteine serve as living educational tools. In Wiesbaden, schools and youth groups use the stones as starting points for Holocaust research and discussions on human rights. The proximity of these memorials to everyday life helps bridge the gap between past and present, making the lessons of history tangible for all generations (pragueviews.com).
Controversies and Perspectives
While Stolpersteine have been widely embraced, some cities have raised concerns about the appropriateness of placing memorials in pavements, where they may be stepped on. Despite such debates, Wiesbaden continues to support and expand the project, reflecting a commitment to open, democratic remembrance (lbi.org).
Practical Visitor Information: Location, Hours, Accessibility
Location: Neugasse 3, Wiesbaden
Accessibility: The Stolperstein is embedded in public pavement and is accessible 24/7 without admission or reservation (wiesbaden-lebt.de).
Finding the Site: Use the Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden app for navigation, biographical details, and walking routes.
Public Transport: The city center is easily reached by bus (stop: Dern’sches Gelände), and parking garages are available, though public transport or walking is recommended (Wiesbaden Tourist Information).
Accessibility: Most Stolpersteine are on level sidewalks; some older streets may be uneven. The Tourist Information Center provides advice on barrier-free routes.
Guided Tours and Digital Resources
For deeper understanding, join guided tours from the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse für Deutsch-Jüdische Geschichte. Tours are available in German (and occasionally English) and cover historical context and personal stories.
Self-guided options via the Stolpersteine app provide audio guides and biographical info (Stolpersteine Guide).
Etiquette and Respectful Conduct
When visiting, please:
- Pause and read the inscription with care.
- Avoid standing on the Stolperstein.
- Place small stones or flowers on the plaque if you wish, following Jewish tradition.
- Refrain from loud conversation or disrespectful photography.
- Prepare children and groups for the site’s solemn nature (Tapping Out Travellers).
Nearby Memorials and Attractions
Enhance your visit by exploring:
- Gedenkstätte Michelsberg: Memorial for Wiesbaden Jews.
- Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse: Exhibitions on local Jewish history.
Other city attractions include the Kurhaus, State Theatre, and Museum Wiesbaden.
Travel Tips and Safety
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.
- Bring a soft cloth to gently clean the plaque before reading.
- Visit during daylight for safety and readability.
- The city center is well-lit and safe; public restrooms and amenities are close by.
- For assistance, visit the Tourist Information Center, open Monday–Saturday.
Supporting the Stolperstein Project
To support the project, consider donating or sponsoring a Stolperstein (approx. €120 per stone). Contact Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse for details on sponsorship and volunteering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are tickets required?
A: No. Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and can be visited at any time for free.
Q: How do I find the Stolperstein for Rosi Ehrenreich?
A: Use the Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden app or consult the Tourist Information Center.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes; check with the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse or Tourist Information for schedules.
Q: Is the site accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Generally yes, though some areas may have uneven pavement. Plan your route via the app or city accessibility maps.
Visual and Interactive Resources
Enhance your visit with:
- High-resolution images of the Stolperstein for Rosi Ehrenreich (commons.wikimedia.org)
- Interactive maps and biographies via the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden App
- Virtual tours and educational videos from local museums
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Stolperstein dedicated to Rosi Ehrenreich in Wiesbaden is a powerful reminder of individual stories behind the Holocaust’s tragedy. Its presence in everyday urban life encourages reflection, learning, and community engagement. By visiting with respect, participating in tours, or supporting the project, you help ensure that names like Rosi Ehrenreich are remembered for generations to come.
For a richer experience, download the Audiala app for audio tours, explore related Wiesbaden historical sites, and follow local organizations for updates on remembrance events.
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