- Address: Veski 11, Paide, 72713 Järva maakond, Estonia;
- Website: wittenstein.ee;
- Phone: +372 5850 2001;
- Working hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
The castle of Paide , also known as the castle Weisenstein (Wittenstein), invites visitors to get acquainted with the centuries-old history of the city and the county. Expositions are located on the six floors of the tower of Vallitorn, which is the symbol of the city and is depicted on its coat of arms.
History of the castle Paide
The castle was built by the Germans in 1266 on the site of an ancient fortified settlement of Estonians. The name of the castle in both languages - Estonian and German - indicates which material the castle was built from. Pae is translated as "limestone, limestone", "Weisenstein" ("Wittenstein") means "white stone".
The oldest part of the castle was the octahedral tower-donjon, which since the XVI century. bears the name "Vallitorn". In a tower 30 meters high, there were six floors. The second floor was residential, the top three were assigned for military purposes.
Fortifications appeared around the castle by the XVI century. Then began a turbulent period in the history of the castle of Paide. In 1561 the castle became part of the Swedes. January 1, 1573, the fortress was taken by Russian troops under the leadership of Ivan the Terrible. In 1581 the castle returned to the Swedes. Then, during the years of the Polish-Swedish wars, passed from hand to hand and, finally, was destroyed. Russian troops reconquered the castle of Paide during the Northern War.
The destroyed tower of Vallitorn was restored at the end of the 19th century. In 1941, however, Soviet troops undermined it during the retreat. By 1993, according to the available drawings, the tower was rebuilt.
Inside the castle of Paide
On the six floors of the tower of the Vallitorn are museum exhibits and a gallery. Each floor is dedicated to a separate stage of the history of the county of Järvamaa. The elevator, as a time machine, takes visitors from ancient times to the 21st century. On the seventh floor of the tower there is an observation deck. It offers a beautiful view of the city.
Monument to the "Four Kings"
Not far from the castle on Vallimäe hill since 1965 there is a stone, which is called a monument to the "four kings". This monument is associated with a popular uprising that took place in St. George's night on May 4, 1343. The revolt was led by four chiefs, who were then executed by the Teutonic Order. In fact, the dead were seven - "kings" and three soldiers. The monument is installed in their honor.
Where to eat?
During the inspection of the castle it is worth to look into the cafe-restaurant "Vallitorn". The restaurant is located on the second floor of the castle tower. Here in the interior there are preserved medieval vaults and a romantic atmosphere. Under ancient music, the staff in medieval costumes serves dishes based on recipes from different historical eras.
On the eighth floor of the tower there is also a cafe.
How to get there?
From the bus station in the city center to the castle 8 min. on foot. Thus, tourists who come to Paide from Tallinn , Rakvere , Pärnu or Viljandi , can immediately go for an inspection of the castle Paide.