Salt Lake Temple | Salt Lake City

Information

Landmark: Salt Lake Temple
City: Salt Lake City
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America

Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, USA Utah, North America

The Salt Lake Temple is a religious structure located in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

It serves as a central edifice for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Visual Characteristics

The temple is constructed from granite. Its exterior features a light gray hue. The structure stands at 210 feet (64 meters) in height. Architectural style is predominantly Gothic Revival, with influences from Romanesque Revival. It includes six spires, with the tallest reaching 210 feet.

Location & Access Logistics

The temple is situated at 50 West South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, within Temple Square. It is centrally located in the downtown district, approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) east of the I-15 freeway. Public parking is available in the vicinity, with several paid lots surrounding Temple Square. Public transportation access includes multiple UTA bus routes and the TRAX light rail system, with the Temple Square station located adjacent to the grounds.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction began on July 26, 1853, and the temple was dedicated on April 6, 1893. The architect was Truman O. Angell. Its original purpose was to serve as a house of the Lord for sacred ordinances and ceremonies for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exterior viewing and photography of the temple and its grounds are permitted. Information about the temple's history and purpose is available at the adjacent Church History Museum and the Temple Square Visitor Centers. Access to the interior of the temple is restricted to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold a temple recommend.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in the adjacent visitor centers. Shaded areas are present throughout Temple Square. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within Temple Square. Food vendors and restaurants are located within a 0.25-mile (0.4 km) radius of Temple Square.

Best Time to Visit

For exterior photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination. The months of April through October generally offer the most temperate weather for visiting the grounds. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical detail is that the temple's granite blocks were quarried and transported from the Little Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 20 miles (32 km) southeast, often by ox team. The temple was built over a 40-year period, interrupted by the Utah War.