Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City

Towering above Temple Square, the Mormon Temple is one of the most striking sights of Salt Lake City. The tallest of its six spires reaches 64m (210ft) and is topped by a statue of the Angel Moroni leafed in gold. Construction began in 1853, and the temple took 40 years to complete. The enormous blocks of granite used in its construction were hauled here by oxen from a local quarry in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The foundation walls are 4.8m (16ft) thick and 4.8m (16ft) deep. The temple’s interior is closed to the public and is only accessible to practising Mormons during religious ceremonies.