Katova ulička, Medieval street in Kadaň, Czech Republic
Katova ulička is a very narrow medieval lane in the old town of Kadaň, in the Czech Republic, running between two old buildings. It connects the town center to a neighboring district and is considered one of the tightest passages in the country.
The lane was created in the early medieval period as part of the town's fortification layout, offering a way between districts when the main gates closed at night. Over the centuries it remained while the town around it grew and changed.
The name "Katova ulička" translates as "Hangman's Lane", a reference to the executioner who once lived or worked nearby. Walking through it today, visitors feel directly how tight daily movement was in a medieval town.
The passage is so narrow that only one person at a time can move through it, so it helps to wait and check that the other end is clear before entering. Large bags or backpacks should be removed before entering to avoid getting stuck.
The lane also served as part of the town's water drainage system, channeling excess water from the central fountains toward a nearby stream. This double function shows how medieval planners solved two problems with one narrow space.
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