Visby is a town on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea.

 "There is scarcely a more remarkable chapter in history than that which deals with the trading alliance or association known as the Hanseatic League. The League has long since passed away, having served its time and fulfilled its purpose. Yet, if the League has disappeared, the beneficial results of its action survive to Europe. To us moderns it seems but natural that there should be security of intercourse between civilized nations, that highways should be free from robbers, and the ocean from pirates." -- Helen Zimmern

============

(in Scandinavia) The city of Visby is the capital of Gotland, an island off the east coast of Sweden. To get a sense of its medieval history, visitors like to follow the cobblestone streets that wind throughout the city, take a tour of its Old Town, and visit the 13th-century church. Most are also drawn to the 13th-century wall that stretches around the center of the city, and once served as Visby’s main defense from intruders. The seat of Gotland County on the island of Gotland, the largest in the Baltic Sea, Visby is also the episcopal see for the Diocese of Visby. One of the Hanseatic cities of yore, Visby is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities of Scandinavia, -- and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1955.