The monastery-castle Padise Photo: the Monastery-castle Padise

In 1220 the land surrounding the village Padise, was granted to the monastery durumunda (today Daugavgriva in the territory of Riga) as a reward for what came from this monastery helped to lead to faith and the baptism of the locals. Presumably, it was originally built the chapel), which supposedly was a stone. At least there is evidence that 1310 g monks asked the Danish king Eric Menved permission to build stone buildings. For the development of the religious life of the village and maintenance of the chapel were sent here by a few monks.

In 1317 began active construction of Church buildings in Padise. For works used vasaramaki marble, boulders and later. Stone wall that surrounded the massive monastic buildings, depended on the terrain and followed the river bed. The development of the monastery was suspended in 1343 on the night of St. George's day, when there was an uprising of Estonians. Then, according to the chronicle of Hermann Wartburgs, 28 were killed monks, and committed arson of buildings. After the uprising Denmark gave Northern Estonia to the Livonian order.

The Cistercians led an ascetic life, never eaten meat. The Cistercian Catholic monastic order, who in the 11th century was separated from the Benedictine order. For Cistercian monks, characterized by a contemplative, ascetic lifestyle. The Church of this order are characterized by the complete absence of luxury interiors, precious utensils, painting. The order had become so influential and well-known that already in the 13th century consisted of about 200 monasteries, and by the early 14th century the number rose to 700. In honor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who played a significant role in the formation and development of the order, master carved on the stone brackets of the Church the image of the Saint along with a symbol of loyalty – dog. The Cistercians created in Padise fisheries, which included several ponds. Supreme dawn reached the monastery in 1400.

After the Livonian war a large part of the monastic buildings were destroyed. It is known that during the war, the Abbot of the monastery was beheaded. Since there is a legend about living here is the Ghost of a monk who may appear before the people at any time of the day or night.

Today, the ruins of Padise monastery has undergone a partial restoration. Stone walls preserved from further destruction. The monastery is open for free inspection. The yard and the building of the monastery is often used for performances, concerts and weddings.

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