Skalholt (Skálholt) Church
Skalholt (Skálholt) Church
After a bishopric was established there in 1056, Skalholt became the educational, cultural and religious center of Iceland, during a period when there were no towns or villages on the island.
The building of Skalholt’s present church began in 1956 and it is the tenth church on this very site.
The current building replaced an old derelict church with donations received from far and wide so the old bishopric could be restored to its former glory.
The church is open during the day and is free to enter.
The eye-catching mosaic altarpiece was created by Icelandic artist Nina Tryggvadottir, while the stained glass windows were the work of another female artist Gerdur Helgadottir, her interpretation of chapters from the Bible in an abstract form.
In the new church, some of the ancient pieces from previous churches are on display.
On the wall by the door, the names of Iceland’s bishops can be seen including the first female bishop in the history of Iceland.
In the basement is an exhibition of findings at Skalholt, including a stone coffin of Bishop Pall, who died in 1211.
Outside by the parking area is a big sign with information about life at the bishopric throughout the centuries. To the right of the church is an excavation site, where the dig to find further historical items continues whenever funds are available.