Laiuse

Laiuse ( German: Lai ) is an Estonian village in the rural community in the county Jõgeva Jõgeva.

Laiuse today

Laiuse has 390 inhabitants (as of 2003). It is located on 144 m high mountain of the same Laiuse Mägi. The church, dedicated to Saint George was first mentioned in the 14th century. An Orthodox church dates from 1864 (currently vacant ).

History

Laiuse beginning of the 15th century was mentioned as Laeghis first documented. Already in 1686 was the son of Reiner Brocmann Reinerus Brocmann († 1704), and inspired one of the first people set up educational institutions for the rural population in Laiuse by Bengt Gottfried Forselius. Today's elementary school was established in 1822. Laiuse has the oldest public library in Estonia (1849, first documented occupied). Particularly interesting is the former castle of Laiuse (now ruins ).