The Maiden Tower

The origin of the name of Maiden Tower is buried in time. It might come from the name of the construction master Meghed or from the estonian word “mägede” (meaning mountain). This tower is the only tower of the walls built with a square base plan that is open from the back. It is also the most rebuilt of the towers. At first a fourth floor was added to the original three and later it became a two-storey house with a charming garden. During the Soviet era it was restored together with its neighbours and now forms a part of a museum housing a cafe behind large glass windows. Many artists and other noteworthy people have lived here.

In days of old the Maiden tower for a time served as a prison for prostitutes. At this point it is important to note that the Estonian name of the tower, Neitsitorn, can also be understood as the Virgin tower! One of the inmates signed a deal with the Devil which granted her great popularity with the customers. Unfortunately this draw all sorts of attention and in the end she was burned as a witch. Needless to say that the tower is also haunted. There is a legend about a girl who was buried alive between the walls. A number of ghosts have been sighted all over the tower. A rather friendly monk is known to drink wine in the cellar and an old man dressed in black has been spotted wandering around. An impenetrable cloud has been seen on the second floor.