Salt Lake Temple

Salt Lake Temple is the largest temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in the world. It took a total of 39 years to construct, and due to the fact that it is sacred to followers of the Mormon faith, it is not open to other members of the public. Despite this, its ornate exterior is an excellent reason for people of other religions, or indeed none, to come and visit. The South Visitor’s Centre contains lots of further information about the history of the temple and various aspects of Mormon beliefs, along with photographs of its interior.

The length of time spent on the building of this temple is reflected in the scale of its construction, as well as in its hugely elaborate decoration. Covering close to 19,000 square metres and with steeples soaring to heights of 60 metres, the Salt Lake Temple is designed in the fashion of a neo-Gothic castle. This is reflected in the detailed symbolic carvings and intricate statues on the walls. Admire the countless inscriptions written in gold lettering, and examine the sculptures in the shape of the “all-seeing eye” and the “secret handshake”, both symbols of the Freemasons, which have been given an LDS slant.

This has been a centre of worship for over 120 years. After their arrival in 1847, Mormon leaders wanted to build a prestige project for their religion. The scale of the project, combined with a number of problems (not least the Utah War of 1858), lead to serious delays, but construction was finished in 1892.

Those who practice the Mormon faith can enter the temple and see the Celestial Room and participate in endowment rituals, while all are welcome in the Tabernacle building at the foot of the temple. This latter building was finished in 1875, and is notable for its fantastic acoustics and beautiful old wooden organ. Guided tours of the premises are available – or you could come along on a Thursday evening for choir rehearsal.

Salt Lake Temple is located in the heart of Salt Lake City, and is easily reached by all forms of public transport. Please note that parking in the area is very limited.