Summertime haunt of Sweden, Visby
Welcome to Gotland
Sweden is an amazing place to spend your summer holiday, and the hot temperatures along with the clear blue sky are living proof of that. A lot of people choose Gotland, which is an isolated island situated 90km away from the mainland, to relax and enjoy the beauty of the location. Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage City located on the west coast of Gotland, is a place of interest for all tourists who wish to enhance their knowledge, thanks to its impressive history. You have the possibility to visit this incredible medieval city from May to September, and you can be sure that its stunning aspect and past will exceed your expectations.
Almedalen park in Visby, Gotland, Sweden by Żeglarz
Visby, a spectacular medieval city
Due to its strategic location, Visby was an attractive target for invaders, and that’s why the prosperous and historically rich municipality was surrounded by a strong defensive stone wall meant to prevent potential attackers from looting the place. The 3.5km Ringmuren, also known as the Ring Wall, dates back to the 13th Century, it features over 50 spectacular towers, and is encircled by numerous moats. At the moment, approximately 22,000 individuals live in Visby, and 3,000 of them have their residences within the beautiful medieval walls.
The Medeltidsveckan (Medieval Week) takes place each August, and during this week the city rejoices its astonishing medieval heritage. If you intend to visit this city, make sure to come in the summer and you’ll have a great time enjoying the jousting tournaments, and the live performances, theatre and lectures. Open markets will also be organized, and the amazing cobblestoned streets of the town will be crowded with craftsmen.
City walls of Visby, Gotland, Sweden by Żeglarz
An impressive legacy
The Danish army occupied Gotland in 1361, and the place was turned into a Danish colony until 1645, when Sweden took possession of Gotland again. Travelers will have the chance to observe pieces of this tumultuous past through the devastated ruins of the fortresses destroyed by the Danes on their way out. The Gotland Historical Museum is a perfect place to connect with the history of this city, and if you visit the Gun Powder Tower, the thin passageways and the damaged brick and stone stairs will guide you to spots from where you can enjoy fabulous views over the city.
A great number of conserved ruins
Visby features numerous conserved ruins, such as churches that were built in the 12th Century. The majority of these places of veneration were constructed by rich Germans who brought Christianity to this city. Several ruins serve as theatre and concert settings, so the contemporary events that take place there also feature a medieval feel. Over 200 medieval buildings can be found in Visby, and Burmeister House is among the most famous ones. From June to August, travelers can delight their eyes by visiting this place that serves as a museum, and the matchless interiors and the impressive history of this building will surely blow their mind.
Saint Nicolaus Church Ruin, built in 1230, burnt in 1525, Visby, Gotland, Sweden by Jürgen Howaldt
A European touch
The structures that you will see in Visby are different from the ones you probably except to find in a Swedish city. The dark brown houses made of wood feature beautiful green wooden doors, as well as window panes. These buildings were the residences of the merchants who lived there in the 18th and 19th Centuries, so their design matches the building techniques brought in by northern European traders at that time.
Stones and human skeletons
As it was already mentioned, Visby has preserved a wide range of remains, and artifacts make no exception. The Gotland Historical Museum displays over 31,000 objects, such as silverware, hand-carved weapons, and stone tools. What’s more, human skeletons can also be found at the museum, and note that they date back to the Stone Age. You will also have the possibility to see engraved steles referred to as rune stones. They belong to the Viking era and pagan worshippers made them in order to commemorate an individual’s death.
Colours of Visby, Gotland, Sweden by Marie Sahlén
Daily life
At present, most Visby’s modern inhabitants stay and work in the spectacular historic structures. When it comes to food, the maritime character of the city is highly reflected. Most restaurants serve seafood dishes, and Bakfickan is among the greatest ones. It looks just like a fisherman’s shack due to the nets, metal buckets, anchors, and wooden benches utilized as ornamental elements. Among the delicious dishes served here you will find fried Baltic herring, fisk soppa, as well as turbot.
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