Renowned
for its unique, unspoiled landscapes, Iceland is also home to some
architectural monuments worth seeing and visiting. One of Reykjavík best-known landmarks,
Hallgrimskirkja, is an awe-inspiring Lutheran place of worship located on a
hilltop and therefore visible throughout the city. In
2019, around 300,000 admission tickets to the church tower were sold, but it is
estimated that at least twice as many visitors enter the church every year.
Officially the largest church in Iceland and the second tallest building
on the island, Hallgrimskirkja was designed in 1937 by one of the country most
renowned architects, Guðjón Samúelsson. He
referred to the classic Iceland national style, officially defined
"Icelandic Basaltic”, mixing it with elements taken from expressionism and
neo-Gothic architecture. In his project, Samúelsson wanted to achieve a perfect
harmony between the artificial construction and the surrounding environment. He
therefore took inspiration from the typical Iceland natural elements, such as glaciers,
mountains and lava formations, in particular the hexagonal basalt columns that
surround the Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell
Nature Reserve, which have
influenced the architecture of many structures in Iceland, as well as a
whole host of other artistic projects.
Made in white concrete, the church monumental façade features a
74.5-meter-high bell tower, on top of which there is a decorated spire
containing 29 bells. Resembling the typical basalt cliffs of Iceland, the slim
ascending and descending pillars of the side wings complete the front layout of
the church, delivering it an impressive appearance. Side walls and rear semi
round apse are characterized by an array of narrow neo-gothic windows separated
by thin squared columns. Consisting of three naves with a cross vault enriched by a large pipe organ, the internal layout of this wonderful
Icelandic church is an example of neo-Gothic style. With its architectural
uniqueness, Hallgrimskirkja has become an important symbol
of Iceland's national identity since its completion in 1986.
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