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

Visby, a UNESCO-listed medieval settlement on Sweden's Gotland Island, has largely preserved its authentic urban identity despite its status as a popular tourist destination. A study evaluating the cultural heritage values and conservation challenges of Visby found that while tourism dominates the economic structure, it has also led to the displacement of the local population. The research employed field studies, mapping, and historical analysis to examine the settlement's spatial structure and its year-round functionality, which is sustained by a resident university unit. These findings highlight the tension between preserving heritage values and adapting to modern usage patterns, offering insights into the long-term impacts of tourism on historic settlements.

Güney, E. E., & Taşcı, B. (2025). Evaluation of the Cultural Heritage Values and Conservation Issues of the Historic Settlement of Visby. Proceedings of the International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism-ICCAUA, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.38027/iccaua2025tr0019