Thirlestane Castle, located near Lauder in the Scottish Borders, has been the ancestral home of the Maitland family since 1587. Originally a medieval fort, the site saw significant expansion in the 1670s under John Maitland, Duke of Lauderdale, who transformed it into a grand residence with additions like twin towers and lavish staterooms, designed by Sir William Bruce. The 19th century brought further extensions by architects David Bryce and William Burn, making it a Scottish country mansion.
During World War II, the castle housed an evacuated girls' school, and by the mid-20th century, it had fallen into disrepair. In 1972, Captain Gerald Maitland-Carew inherited the property and oversaw extensive renovations, eventually placing it under a charitable trust in 1984. Today, Thirlestane is open to the public, featuring collections of paintings, furniture, and a historic toy collection. In 2021, plans were approved to build holiday lodges within the castle grounds, adding to its appeal as a historical and tourist destination.
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.