Paide's German nameWeißenstein (originallyWittenstein orWittensten inLow German) means 'white stone'. This name was derived from the limestone used for the construction of Paide Castle. A Latin translation,Albus Lapis, has also been used.[2] The Estonian namePaide was first recorded in 1564 asPaida. It is thought to derive from the wordpaas,pae, meaning 'limestone'.[citation needed]
A castle was built in Paide by order ofKonrad von Mandern, master of theLivonian Order, sometime in 1265 or 1266. It was from the beginning constructed around the central tower orkeep, locally known asTall Hermann tower orVallitorn. With its six storeys, the tower has always been the core of the castle complex. The fortress was strengthened during the 14th and 15th centuries, when the surrounding walls were enlarged and towers added. It was also modernised to be able to meet the new threat offirearms. During the 16th century, the castle was again modified through the addition of outerbastions.[3]
In 1895-1897 restoration work was carried out on the central tower and some other parts of the castle. However, in 1941, duringWorld War II, retreatingSoviet troops blew up the central tower and it was not repaired until after Estonia regained its independence, in 1990–1993.[3]
Today the restored central tower houses a part ofJärva County museum.[3]
Paide Church originally dates from the 16th century; however, it has been very badly damaged in both war and fire on several occasions, and the present-day building dates mainly from a reconstruction which took place in 1909-1910 under the supervision of architect J. C. Mühlhausen.[3]
