Skálholt in Biskupstungur is one of Iceland´s most important historic sites. Christianity was made state religion of Iceland by law in the year 1000 A.D. The country’s first bishop, Ísleifur Gissurarson, ordained in 1056, settled at Skálholt, which was the episcopal see of South Iceland and a center of culture and education for 700 years. Of the bishops residing there in the middle ages, Þorlákur Þórhallsson (bishop 1178-1198), Iceland’s only saint, should be remembered.
At the middle of the 16th century Icelanders, under Danish rule, converted to Lutheranism. One of the best known and most influential bishops of Skálholt after the reformation was Brynjólfur Sveinsson (bishop 1639-1674), highly respected for his learning. He had a wooden church built at Skálholt, even bigger than the 20th century cathedral, but the medieval church was the biggest one. But it is evident that they have all stood on the same basic foundations.
For centuries Skálholt was the actual capital of a rural society and the cultural and spiritual center of the country, figuring eminently in the cultural and church history. But after waning status of the bishop’s office, volcanic eruptions, a major earthquake and other disasters in the late 18th century the episcopal see and school were transferred to Reykjavík.
In the mid-20th century, new development began at Skálholt, due to its historical significance. The modern cathedral was inaugurated in 1963. It is well known for its works of modern art, as well as for artefacts from previous churches on the site. In the crypt is an exhibition from the National Museum, including the sarcophagus of bishop Páll Jónsson (bishop 1195-1211), unearthed in 1954. Since then archaeological excavations at Skálholt have revealed many interesting finds that can be seen and studied there.
The present Skálholt school is an educational and cultural center for the national Lutheran church. Accommodation and restaurant facilities — including medieval banquets by arrangement — are available all year at the Skálholt school adjacent to the cathedral. Every weekend in July summer concerts are held there, attracting many people.
