Saint Clemens (or St. Clement) ruin is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Visby. The ruin is located on a hill, overlooking the city and the Baltic Sea. The church was originally built in the 13th century and was dedicated to Saint Clement, the third Bishop of Rome. It was the smallest of the major churches in Visby and was likely used primarily by the German merchants who lived in the city.
The first church was likely built here around 1060, but it was completely replaced by a later church whose ruins are now the current St. Clement's church ruin. Before that, this location was probably an old cult site from the earliest days of the town. Discoveries from around the 1000s, such as runic inscriptions, have been found here. The foundation of this oldest church is marked inside the current church ruin.
The church was built in the Gothic style and was originally constructed with a nave, chancel, and apse. The nave was a simple rectangular hall, while the chancel was a smaller, semi-circular space that housed the altar. The apse was a rounded extension of the chancel and contained a large window. The church was originally covered with a wooden roof, which has since been lost to time.
The church was likely abandoned in the 16th century, after the Protestant Reformation. The building was used as a source of building materials, and much of the original structure was dismantled. In the 19th century, efforts were made to restore the ruins, and much of the structure that can be seen today dates from this period.
One of the most striking features of St. Clemens ruin is the large rose window in the chancel. The window is one of the few original features of the church that remains intact, and it is a testament to the skill of the medieval stonemasons who built it. The window is decorated with intricate carvings of saints and angels, and it is a beautiful example of the Gothic style.
Another interesting feature of the ruins is the crypt, which is located beneath the chancel. The crypt is a small, dark space that was likely used for burials. It is thought to have been constructed at the same time as the rest of the church, and it is one of the few surviving examples of a medieval crypt in Visby.
St. Clement's is now an atmospheric place with mighty vaults and columns. During Medieval Week, concerts are often held in the old church space. Today, the church ruin is managed by Hotel St. Clement, which has its hotel operations right next to the church ruin (
https://clemenshotell.se/). Through the gate from Tranhusgatan, visitors can directly enter the hotel's beautiful garden. There is also an entrance from Smedjegatan 3.
Photo: W.carter,
