It is located 47 km south-west from Estonia's capital, Tallinn.

In 1305 Eric VI of Denmark gave permission to the monks from Dünamünde to build a fortified monastery in Padise, the construction of which began in 1317.

The monastery was burnt down and 28 monks, lay brothers and German vassals were killed.

The rebuilding of the monastery began only after 1370 and the consecration of the main building took place as late as 1448.

küla) in Padise Parish: Alliklepa, Altküla, Änglema, Audevälja, Harju-Risti, Hatu, Karilepa, Kasepere, Keibu, Kobru, Kõmmaste, Kurkse, Laane, Langa, Määra, Madise, Metslõugu, Padise, Pae, Pedase, Suurküla, Vihterpalu, Vilivalla, Vintse.