Nestled within the small town of Hólar, Iceland, you can find the Hólar Cathedral. As part of the Church of Iceland, the Hólar Cathedral is the official church of the Bishop of Hólar and is the latest of a long line of historic churches.
Hólar Cathedral
Since 1050 AD, a church has resided within the settlement of Hólar. The first church was founded by Oxa Hjaltasonar and was made of wood. In 1106, the Northern Icelandic bishopric was founded within Hólar. The land for the bishopric was provided by Illugi Bjarnason, the priest at the time, who donated it to the country.
The subsequent 5 churches that were built here were also made of wood. The present church in Hólar was built in 1759-1763 under the directions of Bishop Gísli Magnússon. It is composed of red sandstone that had been quarried locally and is the very first stone church completed within the settlement, and the oldest stone church in the country. The stone was mined from Mount Hólabyrða, a 1,244 meter high mountain right next door. Between 1988 and 1990, the church underwent restorations.
There are two mosaics within the tower, which were created by a well-known Icelandic artist, Erró.
For preservation reasons, several tombstones have been moved inside the tower from the graveyard outside.
See Also…
There is so much history within Hólar. Besides the Hólar Cathedral, visitors can see the statue and bell tower dedicated to Jón Arason, the Auðunnarstofa (Hólar Bishop’s Office), Nýibær (New Farm), and the statue dedicated to Iceland’s national saint, Guðmundur Arason.
Where is it Located?
The Hólar Cathedral is located in the town of Hólar, Iceland, approximately 1 hour 30 minute drive from Akureyri.