Josef Preis

Cologne, DE

Josef Preis
Josef Preis
Location
Cologne, DE
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
50.9813183, 6.9481042
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

Josef Preis was a victim of the National Socialist regime, and his memory is preserved in Cologne through a Stolperstein, or 'stumbling stone.' These brass-plated cobblestones are part of a decentralized memorial project initiated by artist Gunter Demnig to commemorate individuals persecuted or murdered by the Nazis. Located at the site of his last known residence or place of work, the stone serves as a physical point of reflection within the urban landscape. Visitors to Cologne who are interested in exploring the city's complex history often seek out these markers as part of a somber, self-guided historical tour. By visiting these sites, travelers can engage with the personal stories behind the statistics of the Holocaust. When planning your trip, consider these locations as essential stops for understanding the city's past. While exploring the neighborhood, you will find that these markers are integrated directly into the pavement, requiring visitors to look down and pause in their daily routines. This project is maintained in cooperation with the NS-Dokumentationszentrum (NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne), which provides extensive resources for those looking for more information on the individuals commemorated. As you walk through the city, these stones offer a profound way to connect with history, making them a significant part of what to do in the area for those seeking a deeper cultural experience during their stay in Cologne.

General information

Josef Preis was a victim of the National Socialist regime, and his memory is preserved in Cologne through a Stolperstein, or 'stumbling stone.' These brass-plated cobblestones are part of a decentralized memorial project initiated by artist Gunter Demnig to commemorate individuals persecuted or murdered by the Nazis. Located at the site of his last known residence or place of work, the stone serves as a physical point of reflection within the urban landscape. Visitors to Cologne who are interested in exploring the city's complex history often seek out these markers as part of a somber, self-guided historical tour. By visiting these sites, travelers can engage with the personal stories behind the statistics of the Holocaust. When planning your trip, consider these locations as essential stops for understanding the city's past. While exploring the neighborhood, you will find that these markers are integrated directly into the pavement, requiring visitors to look down and pause in their daily routines. This project is maintained in cooperation with the NS-Dokumentationszentrum (NS Documentation Center of the City of Cologne), which provides extensive resources for those looking for more information on the individuals commemorated. As you walk through the city, these stones offer a profound way to connect with history, making them a significant part of what to do in the area for those seeking a deeper cultural experience during their stay in Cologne.

Did you know

  • The Stolperstein project is the world's largest decentralized memorial.
  • Each stone is hand-laid by volunteers or the artist himself.
  • The term 'Stolperstein' literally translates to 'stumbling stone,' intended to make passersby physically pause and reflect.
  • The NS-Dokumentationszentrum in Cologne maintains a comprehensive database of all Stolpersteine in the city.

History

Josef Preis was one of thousands of individuals targeted by the National Socialist regime between 1933 and 1945. The Stolperstein project, which began in 1992, seeks to restore the names and identities of those erased by the Nazi machinery of persecution. By placing these markers at the last freely chosen residence, the project creates a tangible link between the modern city and the victims who were forcibly removed from their homes. The history of Josef Preis is documented within the archives of the NS-Dokumentationszentrum, which serves to preserve the memory of the victims of the Holocaust in Cologne.

Cultural significance

The Stolpersteine have become a vital part of Germany's 'Erinnerungskultur,' or culture of remembrance. Rather than monumental statues, these small, unobtrusive stones force a personal encounter with history in the middle of everyday life. They challenge the visitor to acknowledge the humanity of the victim, shifting the focus from abstract historical data to individual lives. In Cologne, these stones are protected and respected, serving as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against intolerance and the necessity of keeping the memory of the victims alive for future generations.

Geography and landscape

The Stolperstein for Josef Preis is located within the urban fabric of Cologne. Unlike a traditional museum or park, these memorials are embedded directly into the public sidewalk. The landscape is that of a standard city street, where the stone sits flush with the existing paving. Because these are scattered throughout the city, the surrounding geography changes depending on the specific location of the stone, often situated in residential or commercial areas that were once home to diverse communities before the deportations of the 1940s.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

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