The construction of the Marmionda Castle dates back to the 12th century, shortly after the beginning of the invasion of Al-Andalus by the Almohads (1147), who ended the Almoravid empire. In 1167, it was conquered by the Christian king of León, Fernando II, who handed it over to the Order of the Temple. Almost thirty years later, in 1196, it was recaptured by the Almohads. In 1213, it was definitively reconquered by Alfonso IX of León, who gave it to the Order of San Julian del Pereiro, later known as the Order of Alcántara.
From Visigothic times to the Middle Ages, there was no better defensive element for the inhabitants of the Alagón Valley than this castle. It was a strategically well-positioned fortress, south of Coria and on the way to Cáceres, with a prior passage through the Tajo River valley. Throughout its history, various reforms took place, with the 16th century being the last of some importance. It was abandoned from the second half of the 17th century.
It is of a square base and consists of the following elements: a pair of circular towers, the keep on the northeast side, and a second tower on the northwest side that was recently reconstructed and restored but whose aesthetics disrupt the overall harmony of the ensemble; large walls (curtains) crowned with crenellations with pyramidal tops; a barbican in front of the wall; an extensive courtyard; and a large cistern.
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.