The imposing gray Alþingi (Parliament House; althingi.is) is the center of modern Icelandic government, and it’s home to the oldest public garden in Iceland, Austurvöllur , a favorite spot for cafe lounging or lunchtime picnics. The statue in the center is of Jón Sigurðsson, who led the campaign for Icelandic independence.
The parliament building was constructed of Icelandic basalt to replace parliament’s original meeting place in Þingvellir National Park, and it opened its doors in 1881. It was designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl (1827–1908) when Iceland was still under Danish rule. Check the website to attend sessions (four times weekly mid-September to early June) when parliament is sitting.
To the left you’ll see Iceland’s main cathedral, the small but perfectly proportioned 18th-century Dómkirkja (domkirkjan.is), with a plain wooden interior animated by glints of gold.
