Visiting Padise Abbey

in #photography6 years ago

It's amazing, how i've lived all my life in Estonia, which is a small country, but skipped on visiting many awesome historic places.

During our recent drive-around in Harju county we stumbled upon the Padise Abbey, which we've never somehow bothered to check.

Time to remedy that. First of all - I dont know why it's called an abbey. Why not monestery or cloister? I guess these words have a different meaning, when looking at the context.

Anyway, Padise Abbey was built in the 14th century by the Cistercian monks from Latvia, by the order of Danish king, Erik Menved. The monastery itself has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during it's existence and it's inhabitants slain , of which the most notorious is St. George's Night Uprising, 1343-1345, when 28 monks residing in the monastery were murdered.

Latest bigger destruction was by the russians in the 16th century and by a fire that ravaged the complex in the 18th century. After that, Padise Manor was built near and some building materials were taken from the monastery, leaving it even more a ruin.

Luckily, by 1930, people had realized the importance and value of such historical places and reconstruction works began.

The place is still in ruins, but has been rebuilt enough, for visitors to climb walls, descend into cellars and experience the might of this historic place.

Pictured above is a destoryed wall that we vaulted, to get a good overview of the courtyard.

Views from above:

As you can see, tin roofs are placed to protect the place from the weather. I believe that this could be replaced with better materials, more intouch with history, but that's a good start.

The passageways are dark and cold. Lucky are we, who have the comforts of modern days and our soft couches and wall tapestries to enjoy. Yet still, if one were offered a time machine to travel back to these old and romantic times, many would take the chance.

We check the cellars only briefly, as they are dark, damp and cold. But we move through the courtyard and jump in from doorways, to experience every nook and cranny.

In the above photo, the wall that we climbed and took the photos from, can be seen. Not so scary from here, but I sure didn't feel this brave when I was up there.

We take another tunnel that might take us towards the tower.

As we climb towards the tower from fresh stairs, that the restaurators have made for visitors, we walk across the main halls ceiling.

I have come across many of these suspicious mounds but weirdly never wondered what they are. This time, given some thought and a nudge in the right direction from my friend, I realize these are the other sides of the ceiling arches below us. I wonder, what was the exact process of building those...

Reaching the tower now. A few more steps...

... to enjoy the beautiful Estonia. We're lucky to have such forests and nature surrounding us everywhere, one can only hope we don't lose it.

In the above photo, the hills of Rummu limestone quarry can be seen. That place used to be open for everyone, but alas, in todays rush to privatize and sell everything, the place is locked down, to protect the owner from accidents, that could happen there. Luckily, it's still accessible from the other side. And it's located right adjacent to an abandoned prison, so.... perhaps we'll have another post soon :)

As we climb down, we take another look at the courtyard and leave the place.

See you next time ;)



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Hiii @furious-one, That's really amazing photography of adventurer & historic place of "Padise Abbey." Nice to know about past and informations of history through your visit here. Thanks friend for this, Stay Blessed.

Nice read. I leave an upvote for this article thumbsup

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