Laiuse Castle represents a pioneering achievement in Estonian military engineering, standing as the first fortress in Estonia designed specifically to accommodate firearms-based defence. Built by the Livonian Order with its oldest sections probably dating to the late 14th century and first mentioned in 1406, the castle underwent significant modifications including the addition of cannon towers in the mid-15th century. The fortress endured capture during the 1558 Livonian War when Russian forces badly damaged it, yet remained in use under subsequent Polish and Swedish rule. During the Great Northern War, Swedish King Charles XII established winter quarters here following the 1700–1701 Battle of Narva. The impressive stone walls and cannon tower remnants, situated along the road between Jõgeva and Mustvee, continue to captivate visitors exploring this landscape-defining medieval stronghold.
