Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, Matra fortress purpose was to defend Aleria, the surrounding areas and the coast. It was built on a hill, in a strategic position. Partially destroyed in 1729 by the Corsican people who had rebelled against the Genoese, it was later rebuilt.
Matra family gave its name to the castle. Today, in the fort there is the Archaeological Museum of Aleria, one of the most important museums of Corsica.
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.