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Founded: 1188Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)
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St. Nicholas' Cathedral is a significant, well preserved example of northern German Late Brick Gothic; the church features three aisles, two transepts and a single-aisled ambulatory. Particularly impressive is the church's northern tiered gable. The church features 22 stained glass features considered to be treasures of international significance, a feature of the cathedral elevating the building to a heritage site of Europe-wide importance.
The cathedral was founded in 1188 by Margrave Otto II. The construction of present building was begun in 1423. In World War II the cathedral suffered damages during an air raid on April 8, 1945. The vault of the south transept and parts of the cloister were destroyed. The medieval windows had been removed before and survived.
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.