MUSEUM HANDICRAFT WORKSHOP / HERMANN’S WORKSHOP

There are various workshops held in Long Hermann’s handicraft workshop, which are of interest to young castle visitors as well as their parents. Here, under the guidance of the castle craftsmen, visitors can try their hand at a variety of handicraft techniques, use natural materials, gain the knowledge of the history of craftsman guilds and try on the clothes of artisans.

APOTHECARY

There is a chamber in the Northern Yard where, when you enter it, first the twilight fills your eyes and then your nose begins to detect the smells of all sorts of plants. Here works the herbalist, who is the owner of the apothecary’s store, a forerunner to the modern pharmacy. Among his trays you will find herbs and medicinal plants from the era, and you can mix your own blend of spices and buy pharmacy sweets or even a small sachet of witch’s herbs. Infusions and tinctures can also be found here, being offered to visitors to help with all sorts of physical and mental ailments – just pluck up the courage to ask! Whether it's beach weather outside or raining cats and dogs, here you will something suitably hot or cold to refresh you.

LEATHER WORKSHOP

Katja and Saša form a family of leather masters, by whose skilled hands medieval codices, pockets, bags, interesting pendants and leather drinking jugs unique in Estonia are made. Their handicraft techniques date back centuries, and the goods they make are not limited to common historical objects. Since Katja is of Votian stock, among the items she makes are traditional handicrafts and jewellery of the Votian people, which visitors can buy if they so choose. And let Katja know if you want to find out what a little bit of Votian sounds like!  

SCHOOL OF CRAFTS

Summer is a time of work in the Northern Yard. Craftsmen can be found working here from May to September using 17th-century handicraft techniques. In accordance with tradition, we offer visitors the opportunity to do more than just look on by exploring forgotten handicraft techniques and trying to acquire new skills.

Upon entering the Northern Yard, students from our school peek into all of the craft workshops and learn what dish you can fashion out of leather, what you could purchase from a pharmacy 300 years ago and how a potter's wheel works.

Inspired by the work of the masters, the students start working independently, using old work methods to make a small souvenir in a textile workshop and bake a pastry shaped by them in an old oven.

We await all those interested in the School of Crafts to revive lost traditions.