Hallgrímskirkja (“the church of Hallgrimur”) is at the top of Skólavörðuholt. The idea of building a church in memory of the poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson, first arose in 1914. The first designs for such a church were made by State Architect, Guðjón Samúelsson. The actual building process extended over many years and the church wasn’t finalised and consecrated until October 28th 1986. The church tower is 74.5 meters (245 feet) high and offers a superb view of Reykjavik and the surrounding countryside. The church became one of the main landmarks of the city and it can be spotted from almost everywhere in Reykjavik.
Hallgrímur Pétursson was the pastor at Hvalsneskirkja, on the Reykjanes peninsula, 1644–1651.