Visby is called "rosornas och ruinernas stad" (the city of roses and ruins) and is a historic and picturesque city located on the island of Gotland in Sweden. The city has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a thousand years. It was founded in the 10th century and quickly became an important trading centre due to its strategic location in the Baltic Sea. During the Middle Ages, Visby was a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and political alliance of merchant cities in northern Europe and as a result of its prosperity and strategic importance, Visby was heavily fortified with walls, towers, and gates. The city's medieval walls are some of the best-preserved in Europe and were built in the 13th century to protect the city from attack. The walls are over two miles long and encircle the entire old town, which is filled with medieval churches, ruins, and other historic buildings. Visby is well-known for these well-preserved medieval walls which surround the old town and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Visby continued to thrive as a trading centre until the 16th century when the rise of maritime trade and the decline of the Hanseatic League led to a decrease in the city's fortunes. However, Visby's historic buildings and walls remained intact and can be enjoyed to this day. For visitors to Visby the city offers a variety of activities, including beach activities, hiking, cycling, and water sports. In addition, the city hosts a number of festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including Medieval Week, which celebrates the city's history and traditions. Visby is a wonderful city to walk around in as the city's rich history can still be seen in its architecture and cultural heritage all around the island. Some of the most popular attractions in Visby include the Visby Cathedral, the Botanical Garden, and the Gotland Museum. This city with all its rich history is actually one of Sweden's most popular tourist destinations so make sure to pay it a visit.