Landakots Church

Landakotskirkja

The Basilica of Christ the King, commonly known as Landakotskirkja or Christ the King Cathedral, is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in Iceland and the seat of its bishop. The church is located in Reykjavík, in the Vesturbær district at Landakot.

The first Catholic priests to arrive in Iceland after the Reformation were the French missionaries Bernard Bernard and Jean-Baptiste Baudoin. They purchased the Landakot property and initially lived in a traditional farmhouse. In 1864 they built a small chapel on the site, marking the official return of Catholicism to Iceland.

A few years later, a small wooden church was constructed near Túngata, close to the rectory at Landakot. This church was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and served the growing congregation.

Following the First World War, the Catholic community in Iceland expanded significantly, leading to plans for a larger church. The decision was made to construct a new building in the Neo-Gothic style, and the renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson was commissioned to design it.

The church was consecrated on 23 July 1929 and was at that time the largest church in Iceland. With its twin towers, stained-glass windows and soaring interior, Landakotskirkja remains one of Reykjavík’s most important architectural and historical landmarks.