The Salt Lake Temple belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are talking about the largest religious building in this area, the area exceeds 23 thousand square meters. Only members of the church can enter here, public tours are not held here, but everyone can explore the territory around the temple, which has become one of the tourist attractions of the state of Utah. Sometimes tourists from other countries come here.
History of creation
The fact that it was planned to build the Salt Lake Temple became known in 1847. Truman Angell was approved as the architect of the project, construction work was carried out from 1853 to 1893. The location for the construction was personally chosen by the head of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, Brigham Young. 16 hectares were allocated for the temple area, which underlines the scale of the structure. It has been repeatedly mentioned that the Salt Lake Temple should be located exactly in the middle of the land plot. This was crucial, so deviations from the approved plan were not envisaged.
Short description
The architecture of the building harmoniously combines elements of Gothic and Romanesque styles. It resembles the Gothic cathedrals typical of Northern Europe. Quartz monzonite, similar to granite, was used during the construction, so many people think that it is made of granite. The material was mined at Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is located 15 miles from Salt Lake. A new chapel was added to the church in 1966. The Salt Lake Temple is the central feature of Temple Square.
Due to the south-western slope of the site, it looks different, although all the walls have the same height – 4.6 meters. The temple is decorated with symbols, secret signs. There is a reflection of the heavenly rain here. The all-seeing eye is located on each side of the central tower. Inside there is a baptismal font, which is fixed on the image of the backs of 12 oxen.
In 2019, the religious building, the largest branch of Mormonism, was closed for "renovation"; in 2021, it was announced that the renovation would last until 2025. But in 2024, representatives of the Salt Lake Temple said that the renovation work would last until 2026, and there would be a public open day from April to October 2027.
How to get
The religious building is located between West North Temple and West South Temple Streets. Temple Square station is open near the square, through which TRAX trams pass (line 704). Bus routes No200, 205, 209, 220, 451 are also suitable. You can order a taxi or use carsharing services. There are paid parking spaces on the territory of the shopping centers located next to the Salt Lake Temple.
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