Details
Founded: 12th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)
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Schloss Derneburg has a history dating back nearly 1,000 years. Originally a fortified castle, it became a manor house in the 12th century, then a religious site after its owners were stripped of their lands for political reasons in 1130.
In 1143, Augustinian canons established an abbey, later becoming a convent. Its wealth led to decline and scandal, and by 1443 the nuns were replaced by Cistercian sisters, then monks. The site thrived again, especially under Abbot Arnu in the 18th century, when major Baroque buildings were constructed.
After secularization in 1803, it was looted by Napoleon’s troops, then granted in 1815 to Graf Ernst zu Münster by King George III. Architect Georg Laves transformed it into a grand residence with English gardens and art galleries. The Münster family kept it until WWII, after which it served various public functions.
In 1974, artist Georg Baselitz bought and lived in the castle until 2006. Today, Schloss Derneburg operates as a public museum under the Hall Art Foundation.
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.