- Address: Skálholti, 801 Selfossi, Iceland;
- Official page: skalholt.is;
- Phone: +354 486 8870;
- Working hours: every day from 9:00 to 18:00;
- Cost of visit: free of charge.
Amazing country Iceland is famous not only for its natural, but also for its cultural and architectural sights . One of the most noteworthy in this respect is the small town of Skalholt. He has been considered the religious center of the country for more than a thousand years. It houses one of the most famous cathedrals in Iceland - the Skalholt Church.
The Church of Skalholt - history
The Church of Skalholt has the status of the residence of the bishops of Iceland, dating back to 1056. Previously, at the site of its erection, there were at least 10 buildings for religious purposes. A frequent change of buildings was due to the fact that wood was used as material for its construction. Because of this, there were fires that destroyed the buildings.
In the form in which it exists now, the Skalholt Church was built in 1956-1963. Its opening was timed to the significant date - the millennium of the episcopal chair.
The church can rightly be called the spiritual and educational center of the whole country. After all, for 700 years she acted as a residence for the bishops. Educational purposes religious churches had from ancient times. Thus, in the 18th century, the first book in the Icelandic language was created in the Skalholt Church. For a long time in the temple was located the only university in this region and a local library.
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Skalkolt Church - description
The church belongs to one of the largest in Iceland in size. Its design can be called truly unique. It combines the forms that are characteristic of traditional Icelandic churches, it is characterized by simple graphical forms. But at the same time, architects have successfully added some modern elements. For example, the stained glass windows of the temple were created by Danish craftsmen in the Art Nouveau style. The windows are original in form and location.
Every year in the church building an international festival of classical music and orchestra competitions are held.
For local residents and tourists, the church is open every day from 9:00 to 18:00. Her visit is free.
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How to get to the Skalholt church?
The church is located in the city of Skalholt, which is in the south of Iceland , on the river Hvita. The location of the temple is the central part of the city.