Church of Hallgrimur (Hallgrimskirkja): this imposing structure can be seen from all over the city and is in fact visible from much further a field, over 10 miles away. Although building began in the 1940s it wasn’t completed until the mid 1980s. The tower sits at a height of 75 metres; making it the highest point in the city, and the views of the city and surrounding area are genuinely spectacular. Feelings about the building itself are quite mixed among Reykjavik’s residents. One of the most significant features of the church is the hand-carved baptismal font, a creation of 19th century sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Austurvollur: located in the heart of the old city, the green square known as Austurvollur is a pleasant place to visit. The 19th century parliament building Althingishus is found here, and it is also one of the oldest stone buildings in Iceland as well as the home of what is said to be the oldest parliament in the world, dating back to the 10th century. The focal point of the square is the statue of Jon Sigurdsson, the nationalist figure who led Iceland towards independence. | 
