🏛️ Salt Lake Temple
United States
About This Sacred Site
The Salt Lake Temple is the most recognizable symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the centerpiece of Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Constructed over 40 years from 1853 to 1893, the granite temple features six spires, the tallest crowned with a golden statue of the angel Moroni. The temple is reserved for sacred ordinances and is not open to the general public, but Temple Square surrounding it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States. Brigham Young selected the site just four days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, declaring 'This is the right place.'
Key Facts
- •Construction took 40 years, from 1853 to 1893, using granite hauled by oxen
- •The tallest spire reaches 210 feet, topped by a 12.5-foot gold-leafed statue of angel Moroni
- •Temple Square receives approximately 3-5 million visitors per year
- •The temple is not open to the general public; only church members with recommends may enter
- •Underwent a major seismic renovation from 2020 to 2024
Location
Coordinates: 40.7706, -111.8919
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