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Doriga Palace is an example of a structure built for nobility, half containing a defensive character, and the other half being residential. The original nucleus is a medieval square tower, built in the 14th century, which forms part of the current palace. In the 15 century, a cubic structure was added to the tower. Its present aspect was completed during the early years of the 16th century, centered on the palace section.
In the year 1600, the columns of the lower floor of the patio were constructed, according to the inscription that is conserved in one of them, and the entrance door was opened to the patio. The palace is structured around this courtyard, of slightly rectangular plan, with 12 columns of stone with a smooth texture, which replaced the previous ones of wood. On the capitals, wooden blocks with carved scrolls support the entablature of the open corridor of the main floor. The sill is formed by turned wooden balusters with a row of canecillos under the skirting board. In the front of the main facade, there is a second open corridor of smaller height and with the same decorative characteristics.
The main façade is formed by three bodies: at one end, the tower with four section topped with battlements, and two bodies of three sections whose spans are distributed symmetrically. The entrance door is on the right, and it is formed by a semicircular arch with the shield, framed by a molding forming an alfiz. It emphasizes a small square window on the door, also framed by an alfiz, repeating the same decorative motif.
The building is surrounded by a park, enclosed by a crenellated wall with a cover and flanked by two semicircular bodies, with an arrowslit in the center of each.
References: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.