Pirita Convent, Tallinn, Estonia

Pirita Convent (Pirita klooster) was a monastery, for both monks and nuns dedicated to St. Bridget. In 1407 two brothers from St. Bridget Order Convent in Vadstena, Sweden, had arrived to Tallinn to promote with advice and other assistance the expansion of order to Estonia. In 1417 finally the first limestone quarry permit was obtained from the town with the help of the Grandmaster of the Livonian Order and the building of the Pirita convent started. The completed church was consecrated on August 15, 1436 by Tallinn’s Bishop Heinrch II.

The Pirita Convent operated over 150 years and was the largest nunnery in Old Livonia. It was brutally destroyed by Russian army short invasion in late January 1575. In addition, the nearby village was also destroyed. The local inhabitants never restored most of the buildings. As late as in last century – in the 1930s - potato field covered the former nuns quarters and the potatoes were stored in the former hypocaust of the abbess’s residence.

Today the beautiful park with the convent ruins is administrated by the Bridgettine sisters. The museum is opened year round.

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User Reviews

Diego Ricardo Garcia (10 months ago)
Very historical side in many ways wort the visit to walk around the dungeon like former monastery and church quiet impressive and quiet well connectable to the near by beach park. No staff completely digital purchase of tickets and entry in the museum

Michal Zubornak (12 months ago)
Truly an amazing experience. I was the only person here(Sunday morning), and it was magical. My top spot of whole Tallinn!

Віталій Ликтей (13 months ago)
very atmospheric place… in person much more impressive than in the photo… a place worth visiting… entry is cheap…

Aivis S. (13 months ago)
What a place! You can imagine and feel historical aura here. Definately, worth to visit this place. Open 24/7. Ticket machine at the entrance. At night this place is even magical.

Bryan Kearney (2 years ago)
If you're ever in Tallinn, pop along to these Pirita Abbey ruins. About a 30-minute stroll up the coast. It's definitely worth the walk. A very tranquil space. There's also a harbour and beach just the other side of the road!

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Pirita Convent

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