Visitors Guide to Visby, Sweden

Ruins of Churches that belonged to the early years of Visby are a sight to watch! Most churches have their columns, arches and other structures preserved in a better way. You will find 12 church ruins in the entire city with 10 of them located within the city walls! Walk around the city to explore all the 12 church ruins.

The Sankta Maria Cathedral is a place of worship as well as a cherished cultural treasure. It was recognized as the Diocesan church of Visby from 1572 until 2003 when it was declared the Cathedral abroad for the Church of Sweden!

During the 13th century, the citizens of Visby began constructing 6 meters high city walls without any towers! However, with the war in 1288, the height of the walls was increased to 11 meters. Several sadeltowers were built hanging upon the wall. By the 14th century, the wall became 3-4km long with 29 ground towers.

27 ground towers and 9 sadeltowers are still intact in today's Visby town! There are a lot of restaurants and shops just outside the walls with the western part of the wall overlooking the ocean!

The term Visborg is referred to the castle built by King Eric of Denmark, Norway and Sweden even though the word Borg means a fortress or castle! Though Denmark retained their rule in Visby, in the late 1670s they signed a peace treaty with Sweden and left Visby, not before blowing up the fortress of Visborg!

Built in 1310 by Duke Eric (son of King Magnus III of Sweden), the fort saw many wars, rulers and finally destruction! Though the ruins of the castle are covered with grass and moss, some of the walls and the foundation are still standing!

Home to the Dominican brotherhood, the 13-century St. Nicolai church's ruins are one of the largest ruins in Visby! During summers, the Gotland Chamber Music Festival is held in the ruins. Though generally not accessible to tourists, munching at the Frimis Visby allows you eat in the shadow of the ruins!