Members of the Dominican order settled in Tallinn in the 13th century. It is known that the order was founded in 1216 by the Spaniard St Dominic de Guzman. It is believed that before the birth of her son, the mother of the founder of the order had a dream that she gave birth to a black and white dog that would light up the whole world with a torch. It is for this reason that Dominic in the fine arts appears before us with a torch, accompanied by a dog. Hence the name of the order - "domini canes", which means "God's dogs". The mission of the Order was to preach the Gospel throughout Europe. In 1246 the Dominicans received the right to found a monastery in Tallinn.
The site was chosen very carefully and suited the spiritual and material interests of the monks. To expand its influence, soon after the monastery was built, a school was established where Estonian boys were educated in Latin. The most significant building in the typical monastery complex was St Catherine's Church, built around the 14th century. At that time, the 68 metre high church building was the largest and most visible in the whole of Tallinn.
During its existence, the monastery buildings were rebuilt and enlarged several times until the 16th century. However, the monastery was seriously damaged during the Lutheran Reformation in 1525, at which time it was looted. And in 1531 the building suffered a severe fire, which destroyed the church to such an extent that it became unusable. In 1844, the Church of St Peter and St Paul was built on the site of the monastery refectory.
Unfortunately, the entire monastery building has not survived to our times. Today it is possible to preserve the monastery garden and the surrounding cross walks, the chapel, the dormitory, the monastery barn, the chapter house and others. Also partially preserved is the church of St Catherine
Nowadays the buildings of the monastery house a museum, and the works of medieval Tallinn stone-cutters are on display. It is possible to book a guided tour of the monastery. In summer days, concerts, various programmes and theatre performances are often held in the ivy-covered courtyard. In the basement there is an "energy pillar". It is believed that by leaning against it, one can draw physical and spiritual strength.
