🏛️ 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.'
Spiritual Significance
Completed in 1893 after 40 years of construction beginning in 1853, the Salt Lake Temple was built using granite blocks quarried from Little Cottonwood Canyon and hauled by oxen over 16 miles. Its tallest spire reaches 210 feet and is topped by a 12.5-foot gold-leafed statue of angel Moroni, a figure significant in Latter-day Saint theology as a messenger who revealed sacred records. The temple functions as a sacred space for performing ordinances such as eternal marriages, baptisms for the dead, and endowment ceremonies, central to LDS doctrine on salvation and eternal families. Religious teachings emphasize the temple as a house of the Lord where covenants are made, as outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants scriptural text. Pilgrimage to the temple is a key practice for church members worldwide, symbolizing spiritual commitment and reverence. The temple’s unique architecture blends Gothic and Romanesque elements with symbolic motifs representing LDS beliefs, such as the beehive symbolizing industry and cooperation.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What religion is Salt Lake Temple associated with?▾
Salt Lake Temple is a Christianity holy site located in United States. It was established 1893 and is ranked #558 in our global directory of sacred sites.
When was Salt Lake Temple established?▾
Salt Lake Temple dates back to 1893. Construction took 40 years, from 1853 to 1893, using granite hauled by oxen
How many people visit Salt Lake Temple each year?▾
Salt Lake Temple receives approximately 5 million (Temple Square) visitors per year. The tallest spire reaches 210 feet, topped by a 12.5-foot gold-leafed statue of angel Moroni
What is Salt Lake Temple known for?▾
The most iconic temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitors come seeking salvation, blessings, pilgrimage, guidance. Temple Square receives approximately 3-5 million visitors per year
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