Paide Castle, Medieval castle in Paide, Estonia
Paide Castle is a medieval fortification in central Estonia featuring an octagonal tower with walls three meters thick at their base. The structure rises through several stories and displays the heavy stone construction typical of 13th-century military architecture.
The Livonian Order established the castle in 1265 as a strategic military stronghold in central Estonia. It was later modified during conflicts and stands today as evidence of medieval power structures in the region.
The octagonal tower at the heart of the castle, called Tall Hermann, shows how medieval defenders shaped military building in this region. Its form and position made it a landmark that still dominates the town's skyline and defines local identity.
The restored building now houses a museum displaying regional artifacts across multiple floors. The steep staircases connecting the levels require effort to navigate, so visitors should allow time to explore at a comfortable pace.
The German name Weissenstein, meaning white stone, comes from the light limestone quarried locally and used in the castle walls. This local stone gives the structure its distinctive pale appearance and shows how medieval builders used materials at hand.
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