2010-08-17 – 100L3976 by Clem is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Reminiscent of a rocket ship, Hallgrímskirkja (Ha-grims-cure-keeya) is the 6th tallest structure in Iceland and located in its capital, Reykjavík. It is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, one of their best-known poets.
Designed by state architect Guðjón Samuelsson in 1937 it took 41 years to complete! Samuelsson was influenced by Scandinavian Modernism, or Functionalism. Another strong source of inspiration was nature and the fluted facade was created by studying lava flows. He wanted to harmonize architecture with the Icelandic landscape.
Hallgrímskirkja has ranked among the strangest and most beautiful buildings according to various sources, so take your pick! One thing everyone can probably agree on is the view. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and bay.
The inside is minimally decorated except for an immense organ with 5,275 pipes.
Samuelsson designed other major buildings in Reykjavík such as the National Theatre, the main building of the University of Iceland, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral.
