Pirita Convent
Pirita klooster
The towering gable ruins of a 15th-century Bridgettine convent, standing at the mouth of the Pirita River with a stark, melancholy presence.
Pirita Convent was a Bridgettine monastery built between 1407 and 1436. It was once the largest monastery in Livonia. During the Livonian War in 1577, Ivan the Terrible's army destroyed it. Today, the remains include a stepped west gable about 35 metres high, stone walls and a graveyard, and the ruins have a powerful sense of desolation. In 2001, a modern new convent was built beside the old site. Nuns live there and run small guest rooms. In summer the ruins often host concerts and a convent music festival. Visitors can climb to a small platform on top of the walls for views over the Pirita River and the bay. Admission is about 5 euros (confirm on site). Take bus 1A, 8, 34A or 38 from the city centre, about 15 minutes. It can be combined with Pirita Beach, the Botanic Garden and the TV Tower for a half-day tour of the eastern side of the city.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–18:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Pirita Beach & Promenade
- Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
- Russalka Memorial
- Kumu Art Museum
- Tallinn TV Tower
- Kadriorg Palace & Park
- Rotermann Quarter
- Fat Margaret Tower (Estonian Maritime Museum)