City wall of Visby

Construction of the city wall began in the mid-13th century to protect the flourishing trading city of Visby. Originally about three and a half kilometers long and six meters high, the complex included three city gates: Söderport, Österport, and Norderport, supplemented by several smaller gates, especially towards the harbor. Over approximately one hundred years, the fortification was expanded: later, 44 defensive towers were added, and the wall was raised to a height of up to eleven to twelve meters. For optimal medieval protection, up to three parallel moats and an embankment also provided defense. In the 16th century, two caponiers were added. Adaptations to changing warfare techniques and weapons continued until the 18th century. The wall suffered significant damage in 1525 during the conquest of Visby by Lübeck, resulting in the so-called Lübeck Breach in the northern section and severe damage to the northern part of the old town.

The city wall is located in Visby on the island of Gotland in the Swedish region of Gotland, at an elevation of approximately 27 m above sea level.

The historic city fortification is today accessible to visitors and can be explored, offering a vivid impression of its former significance.

• Visby Cathedral (sacred building), approx. 1.0 km away
• Roma Abbey Ruin (sacred building), approx. 16.7 km away
• Gränsö Castle (castle), approx. 96.7 km away
• Borgholm Castle Ruin (castle), approx. 130.7 km away