Was it really built to "escape fires"?

Strada Sforii: When a Narrow European Alley Becomes a Lesson in Preserving the Past

In the heart of the old city of Brasov, Romania, lies a narrow alley hidden in the shadows of historic buildings called Strada Sforii, or Strada Sforii (transliterated as "Strada Sforii Alley").

This alley, with an average width of only 1.1 meters and a length of approximately 80 meters, is so narrow that you may have to turn around at times. It was actually used as a fire escape since the 17th century, when firefighters used this route to weave through the wooden buildings that were often at risk of fire in the past.

Although it was not intended for the public, today it is a place where people from all over the world come to stroll, gaze up at the light filtering through the old walls, often experiencing the same feeling—a small silence that speaks louder than they might think.

It is also one of the narrowest streets in Europe and is listed on the Romanian Architectural Heritage List. The city chose to preserve this alley not because of its striking beauty, but because it represents a "memory gap" that once played a crucial role in the city's life.

It reminds us of the narrow alleys in our own country—the alleys next to temples, the alleys in markets, the alleys between buildings—that we sometimes pass by without giving a second thought. But if we stop and listen carefully, those alleys have stories to tell.

📍 Strada Sforii, Brașov, Romania

#Romania #Brasov #StradaSforii #HiddenStreet #EuropeTrip

Post by Mr. Choon | Oct 10, 2025