Unless you’re a member of the Mormon Church, you won’t be able to see inside this historic building, but you can’t miss its imposing exterior.
One of Salt Lake City’s most famous landmarks is its striking temple, which dominates Temple Square in the city centre. The temple is one of the first to be dedicated to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or LDS as it’s sometimes known. The building itself is only open to church members, but its imposing granite exterior is there for all to admire.The first Mormon pioneers arrived in 1847 and set about establishing their faith in this untamed corner of Mexico, as it then was. One of their immediate priorities was to build a temple, but the project suffered many setbacks, notably the outbreak of the Utah War, which pitted the settlers against government forces in a bitter and protracted argument over territorial rights. Nevertheless, the temple was finally completed in 1892, almost forty years after the first stone was laid.The building reflects the determination of its founders to create a fitting monument to their faith. The neo-Gothic exterior is studded with symbolic carvings and sculptures, including the “all-seeing eye” and the “secret handshake” which are of special significance to LDS members. The spires of this vast edifice rise 60 metres into the sky, towering over the Tabernacle at the base of the temple, completed in 1875 as a stop-gap while the main building was still under construction.Only members of the Mormon Church are allowed to enter the temple to see the beautiful Celestial Room, where endowment rituals are held. Others can view photographs of the interior in the neighbouring visitor centre and learn more about the temple’s rich history from a wide selection of guide books and information leaflets. All are welcome to take a guided tour of the Tabernacle to view its famous timber pipe organ, while its near-perfect acoustics can be appreciated during open choir rehearsals every Thursday evening.The visitor centre is open daily. Parking in this area is limited, so take public transport for easy access to the city centre.
