Saturday, June 9th, 2022
Gotland Island lays off mainland Sweden.
Visby is on Gotland's west coast.
Fortress walls encase a tangle of that history and fairytale scenes.
To courtyards.
An enchanting scene at every turn.
St. Nicolai towers over residences.
From 1230.
Norderport (north gate), was one of several toll gates.
It was neato to see the archer's windows and recesses in the walls where floor timbers would have been.
The ruins of Sankt Clemens.
And abandoned in the 16th century at Reformation.
that there are passageways through the walls.
Allowing to see this.
Carefully navigating imagining these being used 700 years ago.
Lunch on the main square at Bakfickan.
Fish laden in an expertly crafted brooth, each spoonful was a delight; balanced with the rich aioli and fresh herb. Take a piece of warm bread from the brown paper bag and slather with local butter to dip in the luxurious brooth. Twenty bucks....
This side of town was much more touristy.
The young lady helped me choose bakery made with locally ground flour.
Then ice cream with local blueberries.
Beautiful day.
Continuing to walk south.
Exited at Soderport, yep, that translates to south gate.
To walk the walls.
The walls and towers survive. Amazing to absorb their history and the tales those towers hold.
A detour to Ostercentrum, a modern part of Visby.
You can climb one tower.
Back in the walled city.
Passing through the botanical gardens.
S:t Olof’s was the largest church in Visby. Most of it was demolished in the Middle Ages to use its stones for homes.
I may have to move here.
One last time in Stora Torget, the main square.
Got some Saffron Gelato to sit and watch the square.
Heading out of this wonderful town.
The harbor.
