A Design Inspired by Nature
Hallgrímskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland, stands at 74.5 meters (244 ft) in Reykjavík. Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, its exterior was inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns, formed by cooling volcanic rock.
Decades in the Making
Construction began in 1945 and lasted 41 years, with the church completed in 1986. The tower was finished first in 1974, and its massive pipe organ was installed in 1992. The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman.
A Tower with a View
An elevator takes visitors to the top of the tower, offering panoramic views of Reykjavík. The tower also houses three large bells, with the largest weighing over 4,000 kg (8,800 lbs).
A National Landmark
Standing in front of the church is a statue of Leif Erikson, gifted by the United States in 1930 to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the Icelandic parliament. Today, Hallgrímskirkja remains one of Iceland’s most visited sites.
Hallgrímskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland, stands at 74.5 meters (244 ft) in Reykjavík. Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, its exterior was inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns, formed by cooling volcanic rock.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/XSgUuHRmA3
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