Reykjavik has lots of interesting doors. I photographed a few on July 13, 20, 21 and 22.
For Thursday Doors. Here’s Today’s Thursday Doors.
The Icelandic parliament was responsible for the church being built. The rules for the design competition (announced in 1929) specified that the church should seat 1200, and have a high tower that could potentially be used for transmission of radio signals.
The state architect, Guðjón Samúelsson (1887 – 1950), started work on the design in 1937. A nationalistic style typified his work, as was common among Nordic architects of the period. He was also responsible for other important buildings in Reykjavík: the main building of the University of Iceland; the National Theatre; and the RC Church of Christ the King. He drew richly on Icelandic traditions and materials in his designs, and Hallgrímskirkja, his ultimate work, shows this clearly, symbolising mountains and glaciers soaring up through hexagonal columnar basalt.
Until 1940, Reykjavík was a single parish, and then three new parishes were established, including Hallgrímskirkja parish, which then had the task of building its church. It was consecrated in 1986. Source: Hallgrimskirkja.is/about/
Reykjavik 7/13/2021 Reykjavik 7/13/2021 Reykjavik 7/13/2021 Reykjavic, Iceland 7/21/2021 Reykjavik, Iceland 7/21/2021 Reykjavik, Iceland 7/21/2021 Reykjavik, Iceland 7/21/2021 Reykjavik, Iceland 7/21/2021 Reykjavik, Iceland 7/21/2021 Reykjavik 7/21/2021 Ryekjavik 7/2182021 Us in and old door reflection, Ryekjavik 7/21/2021 National Gallery door, Reykjavik 2/21/2021 Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik 2/21/2021 Hallgimskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland 7/22/2021 Hallgimskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland 7/22/2021
Am surprised to find still several doors with glass in such a cold country! Even on vacation a door hunt, eh Shrerry? You’re a trooper! I LOVE the design of that modern church building! Emille (Jesh)
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The heating is free from geothermal energy. Many homes get too hot, even in winter. They have windows that open out at the bottom to let in some cool air. Thanks 🙂
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The wooden door in the next-to-last photo reminds me of the old radio my grandparents had. It was in a case almost four feet tall, and sat on the floor — the design on its face was the same. The fleur-de-lis on the first red door intrigued me. I wonder if a Frenchman moved into the neighborhood?
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That is the door on the church. I like your comparison to your grandparent’s old radio. Could be French, or perhaps a Canadian.
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I especially like the second door and the first red one. The church is quite something! Glad you could get away. How was flying and all the Covid-related hassles I’ve read about? I guess you had just one flight, which would make things easier.
janet
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Thanks Janet. Flying to Iceland was a breeze. All I needed was my vaccination record. Back to NY I found out at the airport that had to get tested. Delta didn’t tell me in advance that we needed it. Cost me $150 taxi and $150 to get the tests. We are scheduled to fly to Germany in October to see my grandson and family. I know they will require tests.
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Ooh, these are interesting!
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Thanks Sue.
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Thank you for sharing these fabulous images, Sherry – every door is so unique and beautifully wrought. And that enormous church is astonishing to see. What a stunning feat of architecture!
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Thank you so much. I love their church too. It can be seen anywhere in Reykjavik. I used it to navigate by.
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I’m glad you thought of us, Sherry. That church is amazing. The architecture is unique and your photo is stunning, All the photos are lovely, but that one will stick with me.
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Thanks Dan. Icelanders are justifiably proud of it.
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Nice doors but above all, a very special church !
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It is nice. I like the way the architecture mimics columnar basalt. We used it as a landmark to navigate by.
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An excellent set. We won’t see too many of these. The red door behind the rails is intriguing
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Thanks. It’s been a while since I did a post for Thursday doors hosted by Dan Antion. I had Thursday doors in mind while I was in Reykjavik.
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