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Historic Temple Square
 This ten-acre block located in the middle of downtown
Salt Lake City is Utah's number one tourist attraction. Located in the
center of the square is the 6-spire granite Salt Lake
Temple, adjacent to the temple is the domed shape Tabernacle,
which is home to the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the
Tabernacle Organ. Temple Square also features the Assembly
Hall located south of the tabernacle, the North
Visitor's Center and the South Visitor's Center.
Several monuments and statues are also located through the grounds
portraying significant events of the Mormon Church. Forty-five
minute free tours of the
square begin every 5 to 10 minutes at the 100-foot flagpole in the
center of the block. Christmas
lights decorate Temple Square every year for the holiday season.
For more information call the temple square visitor's center at (801) 240-2534 |
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For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints visit the Church's Official Website |
The magnificent Salt Lake
Temple stands as one of Salt Lake City's oldest and most
recognized building structures. Construction of the temple
began in 1853 under the direction of Brigham Young and took 40
years to complete. The temple was constructed of granite
hauled by oxcart from a quarry located in Little Cottonwood
Canyon, 20 miles outside of Salt Lake City. Temples are considered sacred sites to members of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and thus only
worthy members are allowed to enter. Sacred ordinances such
as marriage are performed within the temple. Visitors are
encouraged to visit the visitor centers to learn more about the
temple and overall beliefs of the LDS Church.
The domed shaped tabernacle sits
adjacent to the temple. Construction on the Tabernacle began
in 1863 and ended in 1875. The Tabernacle had been home to the LDS semiannual conferences up until
the construction of a new 
The Assembly Hall was completed
in 1877 and was one of the first meeting houses built by the early
pioneer settlers. The gothic-styled building was constructed from
granite that was left over from the construction of the temple and
it features lovely stained-glass windows. The Assembly Hall now serves as an overflow to the
church's semiannual conference. The Assembly Hall is also the
location for the Temple Square
Concert Series which are held most Friday and Saturday evenings
at 7:30 pm. Tickets are not required, but admittance is for
those 8 years of age and older. During the Christmas season,
concerts are held Tuesday - Saturday. For more information contact the visitor center at
(801) 240-2534.
Sitting outside the Assembly
Hall is the Handcart Monument. The monument is a
tribute to the pioneers who crossed the plains and arrived in Salt
Lake City seeking religious freedom.
The Seagull Monument is located
in front of the Assembly Hall. The monument stands in memory
of an event that occurred in 1848 when seagulls saved the crops of
the early pioneers by eating crickets that were attacking the
crops.
The North Visitor's Center offers
visitors the opportunity to learn about the teachings of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The highlight of the
visitor center is an 11-foot Christus statue which sits atop a ramp
leading to the Visitor's center upper level. On the top level
of the visitor center are paintings that depict the life of Christ.
The main floor has paintings depicting Old Testament stories and the
lower level offers visitors various interactive displays about
church beliefs.
The
11 foot marble replica of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen
(1768-1844) sits on the top level of the North Visitor's center. The
statue presents the LDS belief in Jesus Christ. Christ is presented
with outstretched arms, inviting all to come unto Him.
You are invited to view two new exhibits in the recently remodeled South Visitors' Center. "Building the Salt Lake Temple" uses interactive displays and original artifacts to tell the story of how the Salt Lake Temple was built by pioneers. "The Family" explains the importance of families in the Lord's plan for His children and offers practical answers and sound principles to guide you in strengthening your family.