Jõelähtme church is one of the oldest churches in Harjumaa County. The building of Gothic-styled church was started in 1220s and completed in the beginning of 14th century. Jõelähtme church was consecrated to Virgin Mary.
The church has been rebuilt several times. The last rebuilding in 1910 was carried out after a conflagration: the gable end tower was replaced by a massive tower erected in front of the portal. Although the church has been subject to damage at various times, it still has the Late Renaissance pulpit and the Baroque altar (completed in 1670).
The grave of Gustav Heinrich Schüdlöffel (1798-1859), pastor who ministered the congregation for a long time and is known for his literary achievments, can still be seen in the cemetery. In March 2000 the altar crucifix, two candlesticks, four chandeliers, two girandoles and the contribution box were stolen from Jõelähtme church. In April 2001 the thieves returned the stolen objects.
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.