It took several attempts before I finally located Saint Catherine’s Passage in Tallinn, Estonia. The moment I turned into the charming lane, however, I knew it had been worth the effort. St. Catherine’s Guild, a collection of merchants specializing in traditional crafts, occupy the tiny 15th to 17th century workshops. I strolled from shop to shop, observing artisans engrossed in the production of glassware, pottery, textiles, and jewelry, using methods dating back to medieval times.
Saint Catherine’s Passage backs up to the ruins of a 13th century Dominican monastery and connects Vene and Müürivahe streets. Today the monastery lies mostly in ruins, however portions of it have been incorporated into the passageway. While perusing shops along the south side of the lane, keep an eye out for a finely carved portal from the monastery, as well as old gravestones, which have been embedded into the north wall.
Lovely photo! Will be visiting Tallinn in a few months and will definitely seek out this enchanting spot.
Thanks Christine. Go early in the day, as the shops tend to close early!
Fantastic those old buildings. And an amazing thought to compare to the culture of North America at the same time.
An interesting thought Peter. America wouldn’t even exist for hundreds (or even thousands) of years more at the time many of these sites in Europe were built.