pasazhes

Pasazhes refer to interconnected covered passages that form pedestrian corridors inside city districts. They link multiple buildings and often enclose courtyards and inner streets. Architecturally, pasazhes may feature glass skylights, vaulted ceilings, ornate brickwork, and a continuous storefront frontage. They typically house shops, cafes, galleries, and small offices, turning a block into a walkable, climate-controlled environment.

Origin and spread: The concept emerged in late 19th and early 20th centuries during urban modernization, particularly in continental Europe and the Russian Empire, where developers sought sheltered shopping routes. Over time, pasazhes became social hubs, offering protection from weather and a pleasant environment for strolling and window-shopping. In the late 20th century many were altered due to modernization, while others have been preserved or restored as heritage assets.

Geography and naming: In different languages these structures are called arcades, passages, or covered markets; pasazhes is one transliteration used in some scholarly works to refer to a set or network of such passages. Notable examples exist in several cities, though the term is not standardized across regions.

Current status: Many pasazhes are protected by cultural heritage laws and are subject to adaptive reuse, hosting retail, cultural venues, and offices while retaining historic architectural elements.

See also: Arcade (architecture), Covered market, Shopping arcade.