From Merchants' Church to Cathedral - The History of Visby Cathedral Sankta Maria 500st For more than 800 years, Visby Cathedral Sankta Maria has served as a landmark in the heart of the Hanseatic City of Visby. The building of the church began in the late 12th century; it was to be a merchants' church for the German merchants, who had their central hub in Visby in the Hanseatic Era. The church was consecrated in 1225. Over the centuries, the church has evolved into a magnificent cathedral, a manifestation of the golden era of trading, of wars, the Reformation and changes. The author takes us on a journey through time and space - from the heyday of the Hanseatic League to the era of the Swedish Empire, from the medieval master builders to the role played by Visby Cathedral Sankta Maria today. It is a presentation of the historical and spiritual role of the church, spanning 800 years. It is a story of faith, power and trading. Of the role and significance of the church then and now. It invites us to an insight into the architecture, construction feats, culture, music, worship and also to become acquainted with people who have made significant contributions to its development.