Palmse Manor, Vihula, Estonia

Palmse is probably the most grandiose and well-known manor in Estonia. It was originally established by the Cistercian convent of Tallinn, but owned by von der Pahlen family over two centuries, from 1676 to 1922.

The mansion is one of the few Swedish main houses and its building was started under the design stewardship of Jakob Stael von Holstein in 1679. The present form of the building stems from rebuilding in 1782 to 1785. Before 1850, the Ilumäe chapel, located four kilometres away, corn-garner, distillery with a high chimney, horse barn, carriage house and shelter were built.

Next to the pond a pillared rotunda and bathing house were constructed (which at the moment is a café). The Pahlen family was highly respected by the nobility and farmers alike. Carl Magnus von der Pahlen was a militarist and took part in the wars against Napoleon. Between 1830 and 1845 he was the Governor General of Estonia, Liivimaa and Kuramaa. On a more local level, he oversaw the construction of Painet farmhouses with chimneys, like those in Palmse, seen in only a few places in Estonia.

Today, Palmse is one of the manors which receives the highest number of visitors. There is a museum in the mansion and the Lahemaa National Park’s visitors centre is located in the barn. The former distillery was converted into a hotel in 1995. A walk in the park within the beautiful surroundings is good for the body and soul.

References:

Manor.ee

User Reviews

Ebz 1985 (11 months ago)
Love this place. Feels like you back in the 18th century

Cri Bar (11 months ago)
Beautiful manor in the middle of a fantastic park landscape. The interior is mostly original, very well renovated and arranged. In every room there are descriptions available about the use of the room but also details about life at that time. The libraries contain a large variety of different books from whole Europe. Really very interesting. I strongly recommend.

Justus Puha (12 months ago)
Very cool place to visit on a sunny day. We just drove here by accident so it was a nice surprise. This is almost literally middle of nowhere.

Heike Munk (2 years ago)
I vote for this place that high, because it is a good view into the past If the development of the family itself. And some parts of economic at this time. The map of the area of the landlord in the Manor House is seldom to find. Visit the National Park visitors center before. Also interesting.

Sirli Jung (2 years ago)
Beautiful garden and the surroundings in general. Many different restored buildings to see and enter. Highly recommended!

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