Paide ( , ) is the capital of Järva County, Estonia.

A castle built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword is located here. The town was formally founded 30 September 1291 by Halt, master of the Livonian Order.

The well-known composer Arvo Pärt was born here, as was prolific stage and film actress Ita Ever. Top model Carmen Kass spent her childhood in this town.

As of 1 January 2005 the population of Paide was 9606.

This town's "sister cities" are Westminster, Maryland (in the United States) and Havířov (in the Czech Republic).

During the Cold War, Paide was host to Koigi, a front-line fighter air base.

Paide is also home to Paide Ühisgümnaasiumi Staadion, the home ground of Meistriliiga football team, Paide Linnameeskond.

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities

Paide is twinned with:

• Havířov
• Westminster

See also

• Paide Castle
• Paide church

External links

• Paide Official Homepage
• Ühendus Weissenstein (in Estonian)
• Webcam from Paide keskväljak