Alþingishúsið

Alþingishúsið, meaning "Parliament House" in Icelandic, is a historic building in central Reykjavík that houses Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament. Located on Austurvöllur square, it sits as a symbol of Icelandic constitutional history and democracy.

Origins and construction: The Alþingi, Iceland's national parliament, established in the 10th century, relocated to Reykjavík in the 19th century. To provide a formal home for the legislature, a dedicated building was commissioned in the late 19th century. Designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl, the neoclassical structure was completed in the early 1880s and has served as the seat of Alþingi since its opening.

Architecture and features: The building features a symmetrical façade, a columned entrance, and a central tower with a copper roof. Its exterior is noted for its neoclassical lines and stately presence, while the interior houses the parliament chamber, committee rooms, and supporting offices. The design blends 19th-century civic architecture with Icelandic political symbolism.

Today: Alþingishúsið remains the seat of Alþingi, and is a protected national monument and a major landmark in Reykjavík. It is used for parliamentary sessions, official ceremonies, and is a popular site for visitors seeking to learn about Iceland's constitutional history. The building has undergone renovations and modernization to meet contemporary needs while preserving its historical character.