Rating
5/5 (based on Google user reviews)
User Reviews
The first document of Domofole Castle dates from 1023. It belonged to the wealthy Vicedomini family. It was destroyed in the late 13th century during the wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines families and rebuilt soon after. The quadrangular tower was built with very thick walls and numerous loopholes, or arrow slits.
This castle was destroyed in 1524 and abandoned to its fate after playing a valiant role in the many conflicts that have defined Valtellina’s history.
All that remains of the Castello di Domofole today is the imposing grey stone tower, parts of the circular wall, and remains of nearby churches.
Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.
Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.
There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.