Purtse Castle

It was built in the middle of the 16th century, probably by the landowner Johann von Taube, at a time when late Gothic ways of building were slowly being abandoned in favour of Renaissance ideas.

It consists of three storeys: the lower was used for storage, the middle for living and the top floor had a defensive function.

Inside, the basement contained a sophisticated hypocaust system which could be used for heating the main hall on the middle floor.

[1] During the course of history, the castle has had several different owners, notably Henrik Fleming (1584–1650), Governor of Ingria, and the Baltic German von Stackelberg family.

[2] The castle has also seen many different uses, including a feudal home, a fortification, a cellar, a milk chamber, a grain storage, a prison and a workers' residence.