The spiritual centre of Salt Lake City is dominated by the neo-Gothic headquarters of the Mormon Church.
For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Salt Lake City’s historic Temple Square is a sacred site of pilgrimage and inspiration. Others are attracted by its heritage buildings and landmark architecture. Visitors are drawn here from far and wide to absorb its special atmosphere and enjoy the landscaped gardens which provide a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city.Temple Square is built on land claimed by the original Mormon settlers, who followed their leader Brigham Young from Illinois to Utah to establish a new headquarters for their faith. Young, whose imposing statue surveys the square, is buried in the Mormon Pioneer Memorial, and his former home, the Beehive House, has been turned into a museum.The spiritual heart of the square is the temple itself, an imposing neo-Gothic edifice whose spires rise high above the skyline. The temple is only open to members of the Mormon Church, but visitors can find out more about its history and view photographs of the interior in the visitor centre next door.The Church History Museum contains many revealing exhibits based on Mormon history and culture, while the LDS headquarters in the Church Office Building provides panoramic views over the square and the whole city from its observation deck on the top floor. The reflecting pool in the gardens on Main Street Plaza is a popular location during the summer for a spot of quiet contemplation.Once you’ve had your fill of spiritual offerings, keep body and soul together with a meal in one of the stylish restaurants in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, a lavish restoration of the Italian Renaissance-inspired Utah Hotel which is now a popular venue for weddings and banquets. You might even be lucky enough to catch a performance by the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the Tabernacle building, which is said to have near-perfect acoustics.Check the LDS website for details of visitor centre opening times and other information. Most sites are closed on Sundays. Use public transport to avoid limited and expensive parking.
