Brașov, Romania

Strada Sforii (Rope Street)

This snug medieval lane is one of the narrowest streets in the world.

The historic city of Brașov is overall a standout location within mountainous central Romania, built originally by Teutonic Knights and German settlers brought in by the King of Hungary to safeguard trade routes and develop the local economy. On top of the peculiar architecture that comes with that unique history, the town also features a big landmark in the form of the one of the smallest streets in Europe, and the world.

Strada Sforii—which translates roughly as “Rope Street”—was built in the 15th century to afford fire fighting brigades passage between the major thoroughfares at either end. Given its close proximity to Brașov’s main square, Piața Sfatului, and the historically significant Gothic Lutheran church Biserica Neagră (“Black Church”) found therein, Strada Sforii has gone from an urban planning hack to a popular tourist attraction.

Measuring 80 meters (260 feet) long and varying in width from 111-135 centimeters (44-53 inches), Strada Sforii is the third-narrowest street in Europe, after Spreuerhofstraße in Reutlingen, Germany (recognized by Guinness as the narrowest street in the world) and Parliament Street in Exeter, England. At its narrowest point, visitors can touch both walls on either side of the street.