 |
| Visby, Sweden - New Cruise Dock Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved |
MAINLAND SWEDEN takes up nearly 1/3 of the so-called "Scandinavian Peninsula," and is a nation of nearly 10.5 million people. Gotland is a (relatively) small island (roughly the size of Long Island, NY) which is part of Sweden, east of the mainland and south of Stockholm, in the middle of the Baltic Ocean. Just 30 miles across at its widest point, and barely 80 miles from south to north, Gotland's population is just over 60,000, with over 1/3 of them living in the primary town of Visby, our next port of call.
 |
| Visby, Sweden - old main harbor Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved |
HISTORICALLY, GOTLAND has been an important strategic military asset, due to is central location in the Baltic. During the Finnish war with the Soviets ("The Winter War"), Soviet troops invaded and occupied the island briefly. A force from the mainland was sent, and vanquished them, returning the island to Swedish control.
An originally unscheduled stop, Visby turned out to be enjoyable little gem with lots of history
 |
| One of the gates into Visby, Sweden Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved |
USE OF Gotland as a military base has been off again, on again over the years. It was first built as a fortified (walled) city in the 1300's, to protect from frequent invasions that occurred during those times. Gotland played a part in Sweden's significant production of iron from the Middle Ages onward, being an iron producer itself. During the period following the establishment of Visby, a number of other military fortifications were established on Gotland, in part to protect its mineral and industrial assets. These fortifications played a major part in Sweden remaining neutral in both WWI and WWII, although it should be noted that another important reason Sweden remained neutral during the Second World War was its decision to continue selling iron to the Axis powers. After a lull in military emphasis, the recent increasing tensions with Russia in the Baltic have resulted in increased interest in, and buildup of, the military presence on Gotland.
 |
| Visby, Sweden Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved |
SINCE THE late 19th century, Gotland has been a popular place for Swedish vacationers, with its nice beaches, warm waters and relatively temperate climate. Visby gets abundant sunshine during the year. The island is also a popular camping destination. Just over 50 miles from the Swedish mainland, it is convenient to reach the island and there are regular ferries. These days, there is a fair amount of worldwide tourism to Gotland. Visby has been a popular cruise ship destination in the past. However, with the ever-growing size of modern ships, less of them are able to visit as the port is not deep enough for them. While they can tender in, that has its issues - particularly bad weather. In 2018, a new pier was opened in Visby which could accommodate the larger ships.
 |
| Gotland Ferry Service Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved |
THE NEW cruise ship dock was a good 3/4 to 1 mile from the center of the city. On a nice day, it wasn't a terrible walk. But still, it was a healthy walk. We had a walking tour scheduled for that day and the meeting point was in the center city, inside the wall. Our guide was a British expat (it is interesting to me how often we run into this with guides in Europe). He had moved to Gotland years back and was very knowledgeable.
 |
| St. Mary's Cathedral - Visby, Sweden Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved |
LIKE SO many cities in Europe, there are many magnificent churches and cathedrals on Gotland. One of them is pretty much central to the town of Visby and is impressive (though difficult to photograph). Originally built by the German traders in the 13th Century, the architectural style of St. Mary's Cathedral is a blend of German influence and Gothic styling. It has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries. A major tourist site in Visby, the once Catholic Cathedral is now the seat of The Bishop of Visby and part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
 |
| Gated Arch Entrance to St. Mary's Cathedral - Visby, Sweden Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved THERE ARE many old neighborhoods around the church grounds and the church presents from almost every direction. Even as you walk other streets in the town, you can see the church steeple in the distance. And there is evidence of the town's Medieval roots everywhere you walk and look. |
 |
| Visby, Sweden Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved |
 |
| Visby, Sweden Copyright Andy Richards 2022 - All Rights Reserved |
No comments:
Post a Comment