Visby Cathedral, Visby (must see)
Visby Cathedral, also known as Visby Saint Mary's Cathedral, is an ancient and historically significant religious edifice situated at the heart of Visby, the principal town on the picturesque Swedish island of Gotland. As part of the Church of Sweden, the cathedral serves as the seat of the Bishop of Visby.
The cathedral's roots date back to the 13th century when it was constructed to cater to the spiritual needs of the German traders residing in the city. The initial structure was likely a modest wooden church, later replaced with a more substantial stone building. Originally designed as a basilica, the cathedral underwent numerous expansions and renovations during the Middle Ages, eventually transforming into its present form as a hall church.
In 1361, Gotland and the cathedral fell under the rule of Denmark, but after the Reformation, it became the sole medieval church in Visby to remain in use. In 1572, the cathedral was officially elevated to the esteemed status of a cathedral. Subsequently, in 1645, Gotland and the cathedral became part of Sweden.
Architecturally, Visby Cathedral exhibits characteristics that align with medieval German models, particularly those from Westphalia and the Rhineland. Nevertheless, discernible traces of Gothic architecture from France are also evident in its design. The cathedral's influence extends beyond its island home, shaping local church construction on Gotland and even leaving its mark on certain elements found in the cathedrals of Link枚ping and Uppsala on the Swedish mainland.
The interior of Visby Cathedral boasts an eclectic mix of furnishings spanning several centuries. Among its treasures is the main altarpiece, a magnificent Gothic revival masterpiece crafted in 1905. The cathedral's rich history and unique blend of architectural influences make it a captivating destination for both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts.
The cathedral's roots date back to the 13th century when it was constructed to cater to the spiritual needs of the German traders residing in the city. The initial structure was likely a modest wooden church, later replaced with a more substantial stone building. Originally designed as a basilica, the cathedral underwent numerous expansions and renovations during the Middle Ages, eventually transforming into its present form as a hall church.
In 1361, Gotland and the cathedral fell under the rule of Denmark, but after the Reformation, it became the sole medieval church in Visby to remain in use. In 1572, the cathedral was officially elevated to the esteemed status of a cathedral. Subsequently, in 1645, Gotland and the cathedral became part of Sweden.
Architecturally, Visby Cathedral exhibits characteristics that align with medieval German models, particularly those from Westphalia and the Rhineland. Nevertheless, discernible traces of Gothic architecture from France are also evident in its design. The cathedral's influence extends beyond its island home, shaping local church construction on Gotland and even leaving its mark on certain elements found in the cathedrals of Link枚ping and Uppsala on the Swedish mainland.
The interior of Visby Cathedral boasts an eclectic mix of furnishings spanning several centuries. Among its treasures is the main altarpiece, a magnificent Gothic revival masterpiece crafted in 1905. The cathedral's rich history and unique blend of architectural influences make it a captivating destination for both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Visby. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Visby Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Visby Cathedral
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.
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
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