As an astounding landmark in the capital city of Iceland, Hallgrimskirkja Church is the highest building in downtown Reykjavik, Not only is it visible from almost every corner of the city, it’s also the tallest church in Iceland. Samúelsson, the architect, was fascinated by the shapes that formed from cooled lava and dreamed up a design inspired by basalt rocks. When he first proposed the blueprint, his unconventional concept raised eyebrows. However, after 40 years in the making, it is now one of the city’s landmark symbols and a must-see for travelers.

1. #BuildingWhispers
The Church of Hallgrimur, Iceland
Photo credit: Flickr

2. #BuildingWhispers
The Church of Hallgrimur, Iceland
• Architect: Guðjón Samúelsson
• Situated on a hilltop near the centre
of Reykjavík.
• Designed to honour the saint and
poet Hallgrímur Pétursson,
• At 74.5 metres (245 ft) high, it is
the largest church in Iceland.
• its long, central tower and sloping
sides resemble a gigantic stalagmite
of petrified lava residue
• Initiated in 1945 and completed in
1986, it took 41 years to build the
church. Photo credit: Flickr

3. #BuildingWhispers
Photo credit: Shutterstock
• The interior is 1,676 square metres
(18,040 sq ft)
• Despite its imposing grand exterior, the
interior is rather simple.
• Tall gray columns flank the aisle leading
to an altar and appear to curve into
pointed arches punctuated by large glass
windows. In the long rows of seats,
wood and basalt-colored upholstery
complement each other.
• The minimalist interiors are all a
reflection of the Lutheran roots of the
church and give it a distinctly Gothic
design aesthetic.

4. #BuildingWhispers
Photo credit: Flickr
• But the most eye-catching feature is a pipe organ added in December 1992.
• It towers 50 feet tall and is made from 5,275 pipes.
• The 25-ton organ, fashioned by German builder Johannes Klaishas, has been
featured in pieces by international concert organist Christopher Herrick.
Photo credit: jnb-birds.com
Photo credit: wikimedia.org

5. Photo credit: Flickr
• Outside, a statue of Leifur Eiríksson, who is said to be the first European to
discover America 500 years before Columbus, looks out to rooftops of waterfront
homes in the distance.
#BuildingWhispers
Photo credit: Shutterstock