Evaluation of the Cultural Heritage Values and Conservation Issues of the Historic Settlement of Visby

Abstract

Visby is a significant medieval settlement located on Gotland Island of Sweden and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Visby developed a significant trade center throughout history. Enclosed by defensive walls with guard towers, the settlement includes lots of public buildings and civil structures within its cultural landscape. This study aims to assess the cultural heritage elements of Visby and evaluate the impacts of the settlement's current usage patterns on its heritage values. The research employs field studies, mapping, and historical research methods to examine the spatial structure of the settlement. The findings reveal that Visby has largely preserved its authentic medieval urban identity. Despite being a popular tourist destination during summers, there is always a living environment throughout the year thanks to the presence of a university unit. However, the dominance of tourism over the traditional economic structure has led to the displacement of the local population.