Hanseatic Town of Visby in Sweden

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
www.bingeby.com
National Heritage Board of Sweden
Hansestaden Visby, Gotland
Region Gotland

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1995
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 18,296°
Latitude: 57,642°

Summary

A former Viking site on the island of Gotland, Visby was the main centre of the Hanseatic League in the Baltic from the 12th to the 14th century. Its 13th-century ramparts and more than 200 warehouses and wealthy merchants' dwellings from the same period make it the best-preserved fortified commercial city in northern Europe.

Location on Map

Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

The Hanseatic Town of Visby: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sweden

The Hanseatic Town of Visby, located on the island of Gotland in Sweden, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This medieval town, with its well-preserved city walls, cobblestone streets, and charming architecture, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Hanseatic League and the prosperous trading era of the Baltic Sea region.

History

Visby, originally known as Visæ, was established as a trading center by the Vikings in the 10th century. However, it was during the 12th to 14th centuries that the town flourished as a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance of merchant guilds. As a key player in the Baltic Sea trade, Visby became a hub for merchants from various European countries, resulting in a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The town's prosperity during this period is evident in its impressive architecture, which includes over 200 medieval buildings. The most iconic feature of Visby is its medieval city wall, which stretches for 3.4 kilometers and is punctuated by 44 towers. This fortification served as a defense against potential invaders and is one of the best-preserved city walls in Europe.

Current State

Today, the Hanseatic Town of Visby stands as a testament to its glorious past. The town's well-preserved medieval layout, with its narrow winding streets and picturesque squares, creates an enchanting atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

Visby's UNESCO World Heritage status has played a crucial role in preserving its historical integrity. The local authorities have implemented strict regulations to ensure the protection and conservation of the town's architectural heritage. This includes restrictions on new construction and guidelines for the restoration of existing buildings.

Visitors to the town can explore its numerous attractions, such as the Visby Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and features stunning Gothic architecture. The Botanical Garden, located within the city walls, offers a peaceful retreat with its diverse collection of plants and flowers.

The annual Medieval Week, held in August, is a highlight for both locals and tourists. During this event, the town comes alive with medieval reenactments, markets, concerts, and various activities that celebrate Visby's rich history. It is a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Hanseatic era.

Address
Distance: 0,8 mi
Artillerigatan 19
62138 Visby
Sweden

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Visby 13 12 14

Published: December 14, 2013
Length: 51:26 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: pellewistrand

Stora torget och julmarknaden 13 12 14.

Week 29 Soohyung's photos around Visby, Sweden (gotland sweden reviews party)

Published: November 11, 2010
Length: 35:41 min
Rating: 1 of 5
Author: TripAdvisorTRIPWOWu

Preview of Soohyung's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/soohyung/europa/1154368800/tpod.html This blog preview was made by TravelPod...

Sodexo i Almedalen - Debatt om framtidens patientmåltider

Published: July 05, 2012
Length: 40:03 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: SodexoAB

För att skapa världens bästa patientmat krävs samarbete mellan vård och de som lagar maten. Flexibla system med många valmöjligheter ökar chansen att det alltid finns något för alla....

Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners.