Visby: Encyclopedia II - Visby - History

Visby - History

The earliest history of Visby is uncertain, but it is known to have been a centre of merchandice around 900 AD.

In the 12th century the Visby Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Mary, was constructed. It was reshaped in the 13th century to its current appearance. Several other churches were also constructed in the ensuing centures. The city flourished thanks to the German Hanseatic League.

The ringwall was likely begun in the 13th century. Around 1280 it was rebuilt to reach its current height, and getting the characteristic towers, although some towers were not constructed until the 15th century. The ringwall is still largely intact.

In 1361 Gotland was conquered by Valdemar IV of Denmark and Visby became a Danish town. Important as it was, some setbacks occured. In 1391, 1394, 1398 it was taken and plundered by the Victual Brothers, pirates who sailed the Baltic Sea. And in 1411, the King Eric of Pomerania had the castle of Visborg constructed, and settled himself there for twelve years, during which the city virtually became a pirates nest, and the commerce halted. As of 1470, the Haneatic League renounced Visby status as a Haneatic town.

In 1525, the final blow came. Merchants of Visby were in a feud with Lübeck. The Germans commensed by burning down all city churches except the cathedral. The the ruins have been kept until this day, owing its charm on the modern city.

Gotland was again conquered by Sweden in 1645 at the Treaty of Brömsebro, after 300 years of Danish occupation. It developed slowly, things were left as they were. In the midth 18th century, som attempts were made from Swedish government officials to improve the standards, but not much happened. Not until the early 19th century did Visby once again attract commerce and a harbour industry.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "History", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki