City wall of Visby, Medieval defensive wall in Visby, Sweden.
The City wall of Visby is a limestone fortification that circles the old town for about 3.3 kilometers, with towers placed at regular intervals. The structure consists of different sections built over time, creating a continuous defense ring with openings at historical gates.
Construction of the wall started in the 13th century and continued for roughly a century, with additional towers added later to strengthen defenses. These expansions reflect the city's growing importance in Baltic trade and the threats it faced from rival powers.
The wall forms the backbone of how medieval Visby was organized and protected, showing the city's importance as a trading hub. Walking along it today, you can see how it shaped where people lived and worked.
The wall can be walked along for most of its length, with various access points scattered around the old town. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for changing weather, especially if you plan to explore the entire circuit.
The Kruttornet tower standing at the harbor is one of the oldest secular structures in northern Europe, dating back centuries. Its position right at the water's edge shows how the city used the coastline to protect itself from attack.
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