The beautifully situated Stjärnsund Manor and estate lies on the point where Alsen joins Lake Vättern. The present building was built between 1798-1801. The interior furnishings, curtains, carpets, chandeliers and mirrors together form one of the best preserved interiors from the mid 19th centry in Sweden. The décor originates from Prince Gustav, "The Singing Prince".
The manor of Strjänsund was established in 1637 by Johan Gabrielsson Oxenstierna. The present castle was built by Olaf Burenstam, who acquired the manor in 1785. His son-in-law sold it to the King Carl XIV Johan. Today Stjärnsund is owned by Vitterhetsakademien, The Royal Institute of Lettets, History and Antiques.
Guided tours of the main living quarters and two wings are given daily. The café is nearby, in what was once the Estate Manager's cottage.
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.