Dómkirkjan (Reykjavík Cathedral), Reykjavik

Dómkirkjan (Reykjavík Cathedral), Reykjavik

Reykjavik Cathedral is a neoclassical church designed by Andreas Kirkerup in the 18th century. The Cathedral is centrally located in Austurvollur, Reykjavik's main public square. Reykjavik Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Iceland and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland. It also serves as the parish church for the city center.

This site has been dedicated to churches since the 13th century. Work on the current church began in 1788, and the Reykjavik Cathedral was dedicated in 1796. It was the first building to be completed with the notion that Reykjavik would become the capital of Iceland.

Since 1845, each parliament session begins with mass at the Cathedral, and then members of parliament go together to the parliament house.

The church and Parliament are intertwined and are a central facet of life in Iceland.

The organ was built in Berlin in 1985 and has 31 voices and three manuals. Sculptor Albert Thorvaldsen designed the baptismal font. Leifur Breiofjoro, an Icelandic artist, designed the processional cross.

Reykjavik Cathedral is smaller and less imposing than the Church of Hallgrimur. However, it boasts a rich cultural history and has significant meaning in the daily lives of Iceland's Lutherans. The Christmas mass is broadcasted from Reykjavik Cathedral, and people all over the country tune in to listen to it. New Presidents are inaugurated at Reykjavík Cathedral.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Reykjavik. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Dómkirkjan (Reykjavík Cathedral) on Map

Sight Name: Dómkirkjan (Reykjavík Cathedral)
Sight Location: Reykjavik, Iceland (See walking tours in Reykjavik)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Reykjavik, Iceland

Create Your Own Walk in Reykjavik

Create Your Own Walk in Reykjavik

Creating your own self-guided walk in Reykjavik is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour

Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour

Reykjavik, although primarily famous as a base from which to explore the rest of Iceland, is surprisingly full of unique historic locations, many of which are off the beaten path and thus not overrun with tourists. In fact, unless you're accompanied by a historian or knowledgeable local, you can easily walk right past them and not realize their historical importance.

Relatively small in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Reykjavik Introduction Walking Tour

Reykjavik Introduction Walking Tour

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland. Located close to the Arctic Circle, it is the world's northernmost capital. This charming, eclectic destination is the center of Iceland's economy, culture, and government.

Reykjavík is considered to be Iceland's first settlement. According to ancient texts, Norseman Ingolfr Arnarson was drawn to Reykjavík's natural harbor and...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles