Above the gate of St. Karin’s ruin facing St. Katarinagatan there is a series of about 40 letters carved in stone. The meaning of this inscription remains a mystery, which many Gotlanders, tourists and scientists have been trying to solve for years. 

What is known, is that it dates back to medieval times and was moved there in the 19th century from the vault at Bergmanska house (S: t Hansgatan 36), just a short distance away. There, the inscription sat over a gate to the merchant's house.

The message is difficult to interpret because all letters are capital, there is no space between the words and the symbols at the end of the inscription are in poor condition. As if it weren’t enough, nobody is sure which language applies.

Recent research suggests that the language used is Low German, a very important language at the time - the Hanseatic language. This makes perfect sense as Visby was indeed a Hanseatic town. 

Many linguists and writers have tried to solve the puzzle. 

Here are some of the interpretations:

Greet my vault with joy! Through me goes the way to heaven.

(S(AL)WE. DIC BE(NE) SIC: CESAIJ1 DE ME GENE [!] CELV(M))

Whoever owns this shall give tithes to Oluf Jacobi Gotlänningen.

(SWE DIT BESIT HE SAL DEME GEVE C. OLVF IHACOBII GUTIENSI)

The one who owns this house, will be granted happiness and good years.

Sources: www.mittvisby.se, https://helagotland.se