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Church · Visby, Gotland
Ruínas de Sankta Karin e Sankt Nicolai
The Gothic ruins of Visby's medieval churches, abandoned after the Reformation: Santa Catarina in Stora torget square, and São Nicolau by the north wall, with arches and standing walls but no roof.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ruínas de Sankta Karin e Sankt Nicolai
In the Middle Ages Visby had more than fifteen churches, built by merchants, religious orders and groups of foreign traders. After the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century and the town's decline, only one remained in use: the cathedral. The others were abandoned, lost their roofs and became ruins, which today lie among the houses of the Old Town.
The ruin of Sankta Karin, the church of Santa Catarina, stands in Stora torget, the main square. It was the church of the Franciscan convent, founded in 1233, and was enlarged in a Gothic style in the 14th century. The high walls, with pointed-arch windows and thin columns, remain standing and the sky appears where the roof once was. In summer it usually opens for visits and hosts concerts and weddings; in winter an ice rink is set up in the square in front.
The ruin of Sankt Nicolai, the church of São Nicolau, belonged to the Dominican convent of the 13th century and is near the north wall. It is large, with a rose-window facade, and in summer is a venue for concerts and performances. Other ruins, such as Sankt Clemens, Drotten, Sankt Lars and the two-storey Helgeandsruinen, are just a few minutes' walk away.
The ruins are part of the Visby ensemble listed by UNESCO.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for a circuit of the main ruins.
Best time
From May to September, when some ruins open inside and host concerts. From outside they can be seen year-round. In the late afternoon the low light streams through the empty windows.
How to get there
Sankta Karin is in Stora torget square in the centre of the Old Town, a 10-minute walk from the port. Sankt Nicolai is about 5 minutes on foot from there, near the north wall.
Tip
Start at Stora torget and head to Sankt Nicolai, then Sankt Clemens and Drotten. Check the summer concert schedule at the ruins.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ruínas de Sankta Karin e Sankt Nicolai
How many church ruins are there in Visby?
More than ten within the walls. Santa Catarina, São Nicolau, São Clemente, Drotten and Helgeand are among the most visited.
Can you go inside the ruins?
Some open in summer for visits and concerts; others are viewed from outside, over low walls or through gates.
Why did the churches fall into ruin?
After the Reformation in the 16th century, and with the city's loss of wealth, the churches were abandoned, lost their roofs, and were no longer used.