This post is about Hallgrímskirkja, the Lutheran Cathedral. This building is a must-see due to its architectural beauty.
It is the tallest building in Reykjavik, and the second tallest in the country. This is almost surprising due to the Lutheran Church being known for simplicity. However, this church is, in fact, simple. The walls are bare and gray, there are no decorations by the alter, and the only decoration is a prayer shrine. The building is simplistic, yet elegant.
Some Facts about Hallgrímskirkja:
- It is very popular to go to the top and look over the city in the old clock tower.
- The church is 74.5 meters (244 ft) high.
- The church is named after Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson.
- The church was originally supposed to be shorter, but then was designed to be eight stories high with a large spear to outshine the Catholic Cathedral.
- The building was very controversial because it was (1) expensive, (2) cost more because is had to go through extensive repairs due to poor foundation, and (3) was thought by some to be big and ugly.
- And finally, it is not actually a Cathedral. It is just a really big church.
This statue is actually older than Hallgrímskirkja, which was built . The statue of Leifur Eiríksson, a gift from the USA to commemorate the 1000th year anniversary of the parliament of Iceland. Iceland had already asked for a copy of the statue when they participated in the 1939 New York World Fair and wanted to bring home one to display in their capital. The people of Iceland accepted the gift and said that it was proof that Leifur Eiríksson was Icelandic, not Norwegian. However, the Norwegians don't see the fact that Iceland got a statue and they didn't as proof that he was Icelandic. The feud still goes on, although Iceland still firmly believes that the nationality of this explorer is theirs. The statue also remains controversial due to the Americans insisting the statue be in the center and a prominent piece of the town, which the Icelanders took as very rude.
That's all! Thanks for reading!
x Emma
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