An iconic gothic giant

Why locals love it

Today, as you're walking around the Pirita district, the old monastery ruins might seem a bit out of place. Surrounded by the yacht club, suburban houses and malls, you might think the building has escaped from the Old Town and is trying to hide in the thick reeds by the Pirita river.

Why you should visit it

The Pirita convent is old – the main building dates back to 1436. While the Old Town was safely huddled behind its sturdy stone walls, Pirita monastery was pillaged in 1577 by the infamous Ivan the Terrible. The ruins of the old convent are a sight to behold, with iconic Gothic gables a defining feature of the Pirita district.