Visby, Building Exterior, No People, Stone Material, Gotland, Christianity, Religion, Blue, Old, Famous Place, Architecture, Travel Destinations, Outdoors, Sweden, Lush Foliage, Sky, Cathedral, Church, Tower, Built Structure
Exterior of the cathedral dating from the Middle Ages in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Visby Sankta Maria Domkyrka

Top choice in Visby


Visby's church ruins contrast with the stoic and utterly awe-inspiring Sankta Maria kyrka. Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and heavily touched up over the years, its whimsical towers are topped by baroque cupolas. Soak up the beautiful stained-glass windows, carved floor slabs and ornate carved reredos. The cathedral is used for intimate music concerts in summer. The best place to view the cathedral is from behind – climb all those stairs up the hillside for astounding views.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Visby attractions

1. Helge And Kyrka

0.08 MILES

The only stone-built octagonal church in Visby, built in 1200.

3. St Karins Kyrka

0.13 MILES

One of the most stunning of Visby's medieval churches, it's often used for performances. In winter, local children skate on an artificial ice rink within…

4. St Nicolai Kyrka

0.18 MILES

The once magnificant St Nicolai Kyrka, now in ruins, was built in 1230 by Dominican monks.

5. Östergravar

0.19 MILES

The grassy area outside the city wall known as the East Graves is a popular spot for jousts during Medeltidsveckan – and a great spot for photographers.

6. Konstmuseet

0.23 MILES

The Konstmuseet has a small permanent collection that primarily focuses on Gotland-inspired, 19th- and 20th-century art. More exciting are the temporary…

7. Norderport

0.23 MILES

The northern gate of Visby's city wall is a good entry point if you're short on time. Follow the wall in a southwesterly direction until you find the…

8. Österport

0.23 MILES

This former city-wall gate near Östergravar is a good way to enter the city, as it puts you at the higher elevations, allowing you to walk your way down…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "sweden/gotland/visby/attractions/visby-sankta-maria-domkyrka/a/poi-sig/1068437/1004463",
      "destination": "Visby",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Sweden",
      "region": "Gotland",
      "city": "Visby",
      "position": "superzone"
    }