Pirita Convent Ruins

Pirita Convent Ruins

For a unique, historic experience, explore the eerily beautiful ruins of St Bridget's, a medieval convent destroyed in 1577. Founded in 1407 as part of a Swedish religious order, St Bridget's was the largest convent in the Livonian territories and operated until the Livonian War, when it was decimated by the forces of Ivan the Terrible. The most striking feature that remains is a mysterious, 35-metre gabled facade towering above the trees next to Pirita River. In addition to its facade, visitors to the ruins can see several walls, staircases and cellars, as well as a farmer's cemetery that developed here in the 17th century. The walls of the main structure are still standing, making it an excellent venue for outdoor performances. The spot is often used for concerts, most notably those of the Birgitta Festival, which happens here each August. Nearby is the modern building of the St Bridgettine Order, who re-established a convent here in 2001.