Saint Nicholas Church Ruin, Visby
The Saint Nicholas Church Ruin holds a rich history spanning several centuries. The church, named after the patron saint of sailors, Saint Nicolaus, was initially constructed around 1215-1220 to serve as a parish church for the Germans in the northern parish of the city. However, unfortunate events halted the construction when a fire broke out and severely damaged the church. Consequently, the current Cathedral took over as the German parish church around 1240, leaving the damaged structure to be taken over by Dominican friars.
The resourceful Dominican friars took charge of rebuilding the ruined church into a convent church, commencing in the middle of the 13th century. They initiated the construction of the current west gable in 1251, which can still be seen today. Notably, a plaque on the north side of the church commemorates Petrus de Dacia, who served as the prior of the convent during the end of the 13th century.
In 1525, Visby faced a devastating attack by the L眉beckers, during which the convent and church were set on fire by the city's defenders. After the Reformation, the convent buildings were never reconstructed, and the church fell into neglect. In 1795, mayor Peter Herman Grevesm眉hl allowed the removal of building materials from the church, contributing to the loss of much of its sculptural decorations. However, since the latter half of the 19th century, archaeological excavations and restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve the historical significance of the Saint Nicholas Church Ruin.
The resourceful Dominican friars took charge of rebuilding the ruined church into a convent church, commencing in the middle of the 13th century. They initiated the construction of the current west gable in 1251, which can still be seen today. Notably, a plaque on the north side of the church commemorates Petrus de Dacia, who served as the prior of the convent during the end of the 13th century.
In 1525, Visby faced a devastating attack by the L眉beckers, during which the convent and church were set on fire by the city's defenders. After the Reformation, the convent buildings were never reconstructed, and the church fell into neglect. In 1795, mayor Peter Herman Grevesm眉hl allowed the removal of building materials from the church, contributing to the loss of much of its sculptural decorations. However, since the latter half of the 19th century, archaeological excavations and restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve the historical significance of the Saint Nicholas Church Ruin.
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Saint Nicholas Church Ruin on Map
Sight Name: Saint Nicholas Church Ruin
Sight Location: Visby, Sweden (See walking tours in Visby)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Visby, Sweden (See walking tours in Visby)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Visby, Sweden
Create Your Own Walk in Visby
Creating your own self-guided walk in Visby is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Church Ruins Walking Tour
Out of the total nineteen church ruins found in Gotland, twelve are in Visby. The period of church construction in Gotland was fairly short, from around the early 11th to the mid-14th centuries, with the last churches in Visby inaugurated in the 15th century.
Our first stop on this tour is the Saint Clemens Church, a majestic structure dating back to the 1060s. Once a grand display of Gothic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Our first stop on this tour is the Saint Clemens Church, a majestic structure dating back to the 1060s. Once a grand display of Gothic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Visby Introduction Walking Tour
Ask a Swede about Visby and you鈥檒l probably see a dreamy look on their face. It is fairly difficult to find anyone in the country who isn鈥檛 fond of this enchanting town, located on the island of Gotland, east of the Swedish mainland.
Visby's history dates back to medieval times when it was a prominent trading hub within the Hanseatic League. The town's name is believed to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Visby's history dates back to medieval times when it was a prominent trading hub within the Hanseatic League. The town's name is believed to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles