Kloostri-Aruküla Vallakool – a cradle of education and the heart of the village community
The story of Kloostri-Aruküla Vallakool begins at a time when the Estonian rural people first started to pursue education. In the late 17th century, scholar Bengt Gottfried Forselius initiated the first widespread popular education movement in Estonia. Inspired by this movement, the first village schools began to open in the 1680s in the Harju-Madise and Risti parishes, teaching reading, writing, and catechism to children from farming families.In the 19th century, when compulsory schooling was introduced in the Governorate of Estonia in 1860, the need for schools grew rapidly. At that time, Padise manor owner Eduard von Ramm took the advancement of education to heart. He temporarily offered rooms in his manor for the local parish school. Simultaneously, construction of a new school building began on a scenic site along the high banks of the Kloostri River, using land and materials donated by Ramm.
Construction and operation of the new school
The schoolhouse was completed in 1870 and quickly became the center of local life. Children from nearby villages studied here, and the knowledge they gained laid the foundation for better futures. Over the years, several notable teachers taught at the school, including Toomas Friedemann, Toomas Kõll, and Eduard Lember, who all left a mark on the intellectual life of the community.In 1923, the school moved into the manor’s main building to allow expansion, but the old schoolhouse remained and retained its significance in local memory. Later, former teacher Tõnis Kõll lived in the building, and locals still affectionately refer to it as “Kõlli koolimaja” (Kõll’s schoolhouse).
Decline and revival
After Kõll’s death, the building was left vacant and began to deteriorate. In the early 1990s, after Estonia regained its independence, Kalmer Kuningas saw potential in the place – not only as a beautiful natural location but also as a valuable historical site in need of new life. He purchased the old schoolhouse and began restoring it, honoring both its historical significance and the natural environment it was built into.
Today: Kallaste Turismitalu
Today, the former school building is the main house of Kallaste Turismitalu – the heart of the entire tourism complex. Here, guests can enjoy farmhouse meals, fresh coffee, herbal tea, and delicacies from the bakery. The house has been restored to preserve its historical charm, with old school and farm artifacts on walls and shelves that tell stories of the past.
The main house also hosts tours and guided visits – guests can explore exhibits and hear stories about the school and local history. The Elamustalu concept connects past and present, offering more than just accommodation or meals – it’s a chance to dive into local heritage.
Kallaste Turismitalu is not just a holiday destination – it is a place where history lives on. Every beam, wall, and detail tells a story of education, community, and revival. It is a place where memory and nature meet, creating a truly unique atmosphere.