Landakotskirkja Cathedral Size report
Landakotskirkja is formally known as Basilika Krists konungs, often referred to as Kristskirkja (Christ's Church); Landakot is the place name of this area. The church is dedicated to the eternal Lord, Christ Jesus, hence the name Cathedral of Christ the King. Three bells are rung in homage to the Eternal Lord, Our Lady, and St. Joseph, respectively.
Landakotskirkja Cathedral was designed and built in 1929 by the famous Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The Landakotskirkja Church is adjacent to Reykjavik's embassy district, with the consulates of France, Belgium, and the United States nearby.
In the early 19th century, French monks Bernard Bernard and Jean-Baptiste Baudoin came to Iceland, bought the Landakot land, and built a small church next to it. After World War I, with the increase in the number of Catholics, the church decided to build a large cathedral, the Landaus Cathedral, which was finally completed in 1929.
Landakotskirkja Size and Structure
Guðjón Samúelsson's works are scattered all over Iceland, and Landakotskirkja Cathedral is his masterpiece. The church is located in the embassy district in the center of Reykjavik and is a landmark attraction in the western part of the capital. The front of Landakotskirkja Cathedral is in the shape of straight columns, and the embossed columns are thick and powerful in texture, reflecting the distinctive style of Catholic churches and the extraordinary design level of Guðjón Samúelsson.
Landakotskirkja Cathedral is a Catholic church. The treasure in the church is the towering statue of Jesus on the altar, made of cedar and designed and made by Barcelona artist Campania. There is a bust sculpture outside the church in memory of Bishop Meulenberg, who led the church's construction. Landakotskirkja was also the largest church in Iceland after construction, and many of the furniture and statues of Jesus in the cathedral were precious antiques.
Measurements of Landakotskirkja
The 235-foot central nave is flanked by two side aisles divided by massive Indiana limestone pillars. The nave is 72 feet wide and 90 feet high. The rear narthex of the church contains a solid oak statue of Christ the King.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Architectural Style | Gothic |
| Built | 1929 |
| Nave Height | 90 ft |
| Nave Width | 72 ft |
Final Words
Landakotskirkja has a simple and elegant appearance. It was designed and built by Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson and completed in 1929. If you are lucky, you can hear the choir's beautiful singing nearby. The top of the tower is the ideal place to overlook the colorful scenery of Reykjavik. Up on a hill overlooking central Reykjavík, everything in and around this church is almost completely silent, save for the cold Icelandic wind whistling by. It is a peaceful spot.
