St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik)
St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik) is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Tallinn audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Tallinn Tallinn guide
About St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik)
A narrow medieval lane lined with old carved gravestones and open craft workshops, running beside the ruined Dominican monastery that once gave it the name of St Catherine.
St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik) is a narrow medieval lane in Tallinn's Old Town, running between Vene and Muurivahe streets. It takes its name from St Catherine's Church, the church of the town's Dominican monastery, which ran along its northern side. A Dominican monastery is documented on the site by at least 1246 and was destroyed during the Reformation in 1524. Old carved tombstones from the 14th to 16th centuries, originally from the church, are displayed along the passage wall.
Today the passage is home to the Katariina Gild, a group of open artisan workshops where craftspeople make and sell glass, ceramics, textiles and other goods. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval passages in Tallinn. A short distance away at Vene 6 is the separate Master's Courtyard (Meistrite hoov), first mentioned in 1371 and restored from 1993 into workshops, galleries and a cafe. Both lie within the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Did you know? A Dominican monastery stood on this site from at least 1246 until it was destroyed in the Reformation in 1524; the carved 14th-to-16th-century tombstones along the wall were rescued from its church.
How long should you spend at St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik)?
Plan about ~30 min at St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik). That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik) worth visiting?
St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik) is one of the 21 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Tallinn, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Tallinn
Day 1 of the Tallinn in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of St Catherine's Passage (Katariina kaik)
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