History of Paide

The name of Paide derives from limestone. In different time periods the town has been called Wittenstein, Weissenstein, Paede, Paide.

 

Nobody knows exactly why the fortification was built on the present rampart hill of VALLIMÄGI. Some people say that the main reason for that was rich soil. Other people say that important trade routes crossed here.

 

Teutonic Order began to build stronghold in Central Estonia in 1265. The Master of the Order Konrad von Mandern started to build the fortress on the hill by putting up a massive octagonal rampart tower called Tall Hermnann in 1265. A 2-metre thick circular wall surrounded the castle like stronghold. From 14^th to 16^th century the fortress expanded year by year.As the castle was built at the crossing of the important ancient trading routes, it was a very rich and one of the most powerful strongholds of the Teutonic Order in Estonia at that time. In the same castle four Estonian elders chosen by peasants and sent to have negotiations with German knights, were assassinated during the upraising of St. George’s Night in 1343.

 

Devastating wars have left the castle in ruins, but the main construction planning of the medieval castle is clearly seen. The drawings and photos have helped to reconstruct the octagonal fortress tower Tall Hermann, where you can see exposition of older history of Paide and Järvamaa, enjoy art exhibitions and concerts, and savour a meal in a cozy café.

 

The central square has preserved the basic plan of a market place. At its side is the Town Hall, which was originally constructed as a one-storied citizen’s dwelling house in the early 19^th century. In 1913 the building became the town’s possession. In 1920 the building was reconstructed and the second floor in Jugendstil was added to it. Today there are workrooms for the Mayor and the office for the town council in the Town Hall. The big hall on the second floor is used for receptions, festive ceremonies and concerts.

 

The town of Paide has had a church as far back as since the 13^th century. Initally, the church was located in the castle of the Livonian Order and at a later time, in the town that was formed around the castle. The first churches were probably built of wood. In 1767 started the construction of a new stone church in the town). The new church was consecrated in 1786. On 10 May 1845, the church was destroyed in a fire. During the years 1847-1848, a new, late-classicistic building with neo-baroque elements was constructed by the design of G. Mühlenhausen. The church of Paide is unique among the other churches in Estonia for its tower, which is not sited at the west ends as it traditionally is, but in the center of the church, on the southern side. The reason is that the new church and tower were built on the old basement.

 

Paide was granted the townrights on 30 September 1291. While at that time  only few hundred people lived in Paide, the population today is about 10 000 inhabitants, with the area of the town being 10,1 square kilometers.