Temple Square

Salt Lake Temple, with its towering spires, is the centrepiece of Temple Square. This temple is of central importance to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), as well as being of huge interest to visitors who are keen to learn about the area's history and who appreciate its stunning architecture. Other buildings likely to attract include the Tabernacle building, the central office of the Mormon faith, the Mormon Pioneer Memorial and Beehive House. The 14 hectares of Temple Square also contain green gardens and vibrant flowerbeds, making it a pleasant hangout spot in the summertime. You can follow a tour of the gardens from Main Street Plaza, free of charge.

When the Mormon people arrived in Salt Lake Valley in 1847, they came to the spot where Temple Square now lies. Brigham Young, their leader, declared straightaway: “Here we will build a temple to our God”. And this is exactly what they did.

Drop into the North Visitor’s Centre for information about the square's main attractions, and those with a particular interest in family trees should visit the South Visitor’s Centre. This knowledge of lineage is a central facet of the LDS faith.

The Church Historical Museum contains a large selection of Mormon religious and everyday artifacts, and you can also visit the Church Office Building which offers excellent views over the city from its observation deck.

Lovers of religious music are advised to attend one of the many choir recitals in the Tabernacle building or in the Conference centre. An excellent dinner can be had afterwards in one of the restaurants in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Temple Square is open every day, but most sites are closed on Sundays. Given its location in the middle of Salt Lake City, there are plenty of public transport links, but parking is much more difficult to find.