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Church · Visby, Gotland
Visby domkyrka S:ta Maria
The Cathedral of Santa Maria, consecrated in 1225 as the merchants' church for the German community, the only medieval church in Visby still in use, with three dark towers — one Baroque and two lower ones.
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 Visby domkyrka S:ta Maria
Domkyrka Sankta Maria was built by the German merchants who lived in Visby and was consecrated in 1225. It was their church, also used as a goods store and as a landmark for ships. Over the centuries it was enlarged, and today it mixes Romanesque and Gothic parts. It is the only one of the town’s medieval churches that remained in use after the Reformation and, since 1572, it has been a cathedral.
From the outside it stands out for its three towers. The west tower, square, has a dark Baroque roof from the 18th century; the two east towers are lower, with pointed, also dark roofs. The church sits on the slope below the Klinten cliff, with the old town dropping down to the sea.
Inside, the nave is bright and tall. There is a 13th-century red sandstone baptismal font, merchants’ tombstones in the floor and on the wall, stained glass and a 20th-century altar. In the summer months the church often hosts organ and choir concerts.
Next to it, steps lead up to Klinten viewpoint, from where you can see the roofs, the cathedral towers and the sea.
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
About 30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
During the day, outside service times. In summer there are often concerts in the evening. Check before you go.
How to get there
It is in the centre of the old town, a 5-minute walk from Stora torget and 10 minutes from the port.
Tip
Leaving the cathedral, climb the steps behind it up to the Klinten viewpoint for the view over the town and the towers.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Visby domkyrka S:ta Maria
Is Visby's cathedral medieval?
Yes. It was consecrated in 1225 and is the only medieval church in the city still in use.
Who built the cathedral?
The German merchants who lived in Visby built it as their church. It became a cathedral in 1572.
Are there concerts at the cathedral?
In summer there are usually organ and choir concerts. Check the schedule.