Towering Lutheran church Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik, Iceland, is evidence of both contemporary architectural creativity and the nation's untamed natural beauty. Visible from almost every vantage point, this famous church rules Iceland's capital city as the fourth-highest structure there. Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, its unusual form finds influence in the basalt lava flows sculpting most of Iceland's breathtaking scenery. Mirroring the hexagonal basalt formations seen in many of Iceland's cliffs and waterfalls, the church's façade consists of a sequence of concrete columns rising sharply towards the heavens. A 73-meter-tall tower that provides panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains and sea balances this arresting front. With its lofty vaulted ceilings and understated embellishments emphasizing the remarkable pipe organ, the austere but attractive interior of the church generates a sense of quiet and contemplation. Apart from a place of worship, Hallgrímskirkja is a cultural monument and concert venue where frequent musical events benefit from the building's great acoustics. Representing the junction of Iceland's rich cultural legacy and its modern, forward-looking attitude, its prominent location in the middle of Reykjavik makes it a central gathering place for both residents and visitors.
