What to do and see in Paide, Estonia: The Best Places and Tips

Building of the Paide Order Castle started in 1265. Local white limestone was used to build the castle. The first building on Vallimagi Hill was the octagonal Tall Hermann Tower, which was destroyed by the retreating Red Army in 1941. The tower was restored for the 650th anniversary of the St George's Night Uprising in 1993.Interesting facts:The stronghold established in Paide was the second castle built by the order in the territory of Estonia after Viljandi.Paide Vallitorn became the symbol of Paide Town and Jarva County and is depicted on their coats of arms.There is a memorial on Paide Vallimagi Hill to the four Estonian elders executed during the uprising.

The museum in Turi was opened in 1995, although it was founded much earlier, as local history researchers have been engaged in this subject for several years. In the year 2000 the Turi museum was relocated and now shares one roof with the Estonian Broadcasting Museum. The museum illustrates the history of the railway, which constituted an important impulse for the development of Turi, as well as the history of the paper and pulp factory of Turi.You are welcome to visit the Turi museum Tuesdays to Saturdays.Interesting to know:•Visitors get an overview of the small pre-war enterprises - the brick factory and the ladies hairdressers as well as the garment factory•The museum also features temporary Exhibitions providing delightful pictures of the hobbies and activities of people connected with Turi

The three-naved medieval church of Turi was built in the 13th century. The interior of the church is embellished with a pulpit dating back to 1630 and an altar by Christian Ackermann, constructed in 1693.You are welcome to visit the church in summer Wednesdays to Sundays.Interesting to know:•The tip of the steeple of the church in Turi is crowned with a cock on a golden ball who watches over the town • The choir of the church has unique graven masks in its corners.•The windows of the church are embellished with stained glass by Dolores Hoffmann•Inside the church there are the paintings "Golgatha" and "The Last Supper" by August Georg Pezoldi

Paide has had a church since the 13th century. It was initially located in the order stronghold and later also downtown, next to the main square. The church that was consecrated in 1786 perished in a fire in 1845. A new church with neo-baroque features that is still standing today was built with the support of the townspeople from 1847 to 1848.Interesting facts:Paide Holy Cross Church is unique among Estonian churches because its tower is not located on the western side but in the middle, on the southern side.

The Estonian Broadcasting Museum was founded in Turi in 1999. The museum’s permanent exhibition introduces the history of broadcasting from the first test broadcasts to the present day. You can visit the Estonian Broadcasting Museum from Tuesday to Saturday. You can also book a guided tour in advance. Interesting facts:·         The radio station that started broadcasting from Turi in 1937 was the most modern in Europe at the time.·         At the Broadcasting Museum, you can try your hand at producing a radio show.·         Working displays are exhibited at the museum – old televisions, loudspeakers and much more.

The grand early classicist mansion of Sargvere Manor that also has some baroque features was completed in 1765.The manor building was used by the Sargvere Basic School from 1920 to 2002. The manor has been in the use of the Sargvere Society for Promotion of Rural Culture since 2003. Four history rooms have been set up at the initiative of the Society that introduce the history of Sargvere Manor, the school and surrounding villages.You can only visit the manor by appointment.

Jarvamaa Museum was found in 1905. Through ages Jarvamaa museum was located in different buildings. In 1950-s the former veterinary clinic in Paide Lembitu park was adjusted for museum building. The permanent exhibition about the county was opened in 1956. Nowadays museum still functions in the same building.You can visit Jarvamaa museum in Paide from Tuesday till Saturday.Interesting to know:- The jewel of the permanent exhibition is the consisting of 200 objects interior of the Paide old pharmacy that was donated in 1912.- The biggest collection of Jarvamaa museum is the photograph collection. Collection has the oldest Estonian daguerreotype.

The first Paide Limestone Days were held in 1996 and they developed into a tradition. Artists are given natural limestone to work with and create a piece of art. The sculptures are set up in Paide Town.Interesting facts:The best known sculptures are Limestone Symphony on the corner of Kitsas and Vaike-Aia Streets, which marks the birthplace of famous composer Arvo Part and the Hitchhiker on Tallinn Road that greets visitors of the town.You can get a map from Paide Tourist Information Centre that helps you find these sculptures.

Paide Town Hall is a building with a late art nouveau façade in the main square of Paide that was built in 1920 to replace the former wooden building. Paide Town Hall was thoroughly renovated in 2008 and its original appearance was restored.Paide Town Hall can only be visited in the course of group tours organised by appointment only.Interesting facts:Paide Town Hall is still a government building today and the offices of the mayor and town council are located there.Paide Town Hall has a hall with excellent acoustics that is used as a concert venue.