St Lawrence's church has a different shape from the other churches in Visby. Whereas those were inspired by German ecclesiastical architecture, St Lawrence's resembles the Byzantine churches of the east.
The church is dedicated to St Lawrence, who was martyred in the 3rd century by being roasted on a grid. The church was built in the 13th century. For all of its exotic design, it was the work of the island's own craftsmen, indicated by the dressing of the stone and the masonry technique. The numerous staircases and passages in the walls are a distinct feature, with passages that lead from one level to another through nearly the entire building.
St Lawrence's was abandoned at the reformation of the 16th century
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St Lawrence by
astroberkman17, on Flickr
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St Lawrence by
astroberkman17, on Flickr
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St Lawrence by
astroberkman17, on Flickr
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St Lawrence by
astroberkman17, on Flickr
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St Lawrence by
astroberkman17, on Flickr