1256: Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík, Iceland

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1 July 2006

Your Mystery Worshipper says that the columns on the church tower represent organ pipes. When I was there in the 1960s when only the tower existed without the actual church building, I was told that they reflect the basaltic columns formed volcanically which are found in Iceland. These are similar to those at Fingal's Cave on Staffa, Scotland, and at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. To me this would seem more appropriate to an Icelandic national church.

Tom Megahy, Loughborough, England

Amanda B. Reckondwythe replies:

2 July 2006

The guide books do say that the columns flanking the west entrance represent basaltic volcanic formations. To me, however, they resemble organ pipes. I also thought the entire west facade resembles a geyser. My review does not claim to report the official line; I merely wrote down how it seemed to me.

Amanda B. Reckondwythe