The centuries-old streets of Tallinn still have traces of different eras left by the flow of time and help to understand what the city looked like in the distant past. For example, if you want to immerse yourself into the mysterious Middle Ages, go to Catherine’s Passage (Katariina käik), a tiny lane only 135 meters long. Located in the Tallinn Old Town, it connects the streets of Vene and Muurivahe. Despite its small size, it is one of the most significant sights of the Estonian capital. You can easily spend more than one hour here.

A narrow cobbled street surrounded by stone facades and ancient artifacts… The firm atmosphere of the Middle Ages reins on Catherine’s Passage for more than 700 years! Its history began in the 13th century together with the construction of the Dominican Monastery of St. Catharine, the largest church in the Old Town at that time. The passage was adjacent to the shrine and bore the name “Munga käik” (Monastic passage). Small houses in front of the church began to appear in the 15th century.

Catherine’s Passage got its current name in 1996 after a major restoration that made it a popular tourist attraction.

Local artisans also played an important role in the modern history of Catherine’s Passage. Workers and merchants occupied the empty houses and turned them into their workshops, removed the trash from the passage and filled it with life and creativity. The premises still have ancient interior and household items. Tourists love to visit the workshops and watch the work of artisans. Some people buy products created by craftsmen as souvenirs. Over time, Catherine’s Passage got a second name, Master’s Yard.

The most valued artifact of the passage is the huge stone slabs of former burials. They can be seen on the wall that has remained from the Monastery of St. Catherine. One of the slabs, dating from 1381, depicts a woman. It is the oldest image of Tallinn stone-cutting art.