Visby, Sweden
Description
View cruises with Visby, SwedenDramatic 13th-century city walls surround the former Viking settlement of Visby, Sweden. Recognized by UNESCO as the best-preserved medieval commercial center in Northern Europe, this quaint town of 20,000 residents, known as the "City of Roses and Ruins," is home to ancient forts, churches and winding streets lined with cafés and cozy cottages. The Gotlands Fornsal Museum explores 8,000 years of the region's rich cultural history, from the geological formation of Gotland through the Viking period to the modern age. A venture beyond the ancient walls takes you to the Hanseatic harbor of Almedalen, dotted by such historical sites as the Kruttornet (Powder Tower) and the Jungfrutornet (Maiden's Tower), or to scenic Dalmansporten, site of the 12th-century St. Mary Church, the only one of Visby's earliest churches to still be in use today. For those seeking the solace of the countryside, Gotland, Sweden's largest island, offers flowering meadows, pastoral views and the opportunity to experience the dairy products and sweet jams produced on local farms.
Points of Interest
- Visby Town
- St. Mary Church
- Dalmansporten
- Almedalen
- Galgberget (Gallows Hill)
- Gnisvärd Fishing Village
- Tour sites at guests discretion
More about Visby, Sweden Points of Interest
-
Visby Town -
The quaint town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ringed by a 13th-century limestone wall. Visby has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Its old-world charms, tall towers, turrets and spires, winding cobblestone streets and red-rose covered homes have earned its reputation as the best-preserved medieval city in Scandinavia and its nickname, "Town of Roses and Ruins."
-
St. Mary Church -
Built in the 12th century by German merchants, St. Mary Church is Visby's first cathedral. It is the only one of Visby's early churches to still be in use. It has been renovated and altered through the years (restored 1899-1907 and again in 1945) but still charms with its large square tower on the west side and two small towers on the east end. Inside, an intricately carved pulpit made of ebony and walnut and a 13th-century baptismal font of red marble can be found.
-
Dalmansporten -
The medieval city of Dalmansporten is best explored by foot. Enter Dalmansporten through one of the gates in the wall surrounding Visby. Its narrow, streets are lined by the ruins of Dalmansporten's many medieval churches. The impressive Cathedral of St. Mary, beautifully restored, is still in use today.
-
Almedalen -
Known as The Valley of the Elm Trees, Almedalen was Visby's first harbor but today is a lush, green park area dotted by such historical sites as the Kruttornet (Powder Tower), Visby's oldest remaining structure, and the Jungfrutornet (Maiden's Tower), where a local goldsmith's daughter was reputed to be walled up alive for betraying the city to the Danes.
-
Galgberget (Gallows Hill) -
Built in the 13th century and used until 1845, these stone pillars supported wooden beams used to hang local criminals. The hilltop location served as a warning for those approaching from the sea that criminal behavior would not be tolerated. Today, they make for an unusual photo opportunity as well as frame spectacular views.
-
Gnisvärd Fishing Village -
The picturesque old fishing village of Gnisvärd was used as a harbor during the Viking era. It showcases numerous wood and limestone cottages that line the road across from the shoreline. Its top attraction is the Gnisvärd Ship Grave, which dates from the Bronze Age (about 600 BC). The grave consists of almost 100, closely packed stones standing on their edges in the form of a ship. It was believed that the metaphoric ship would carry the departed chieftains on their voyage to eternity.
- Tour sites at guests discretion -
