Standing outside the amazing church of Hallgrimskirkja (of which more to come in future posts) is an amazing statue of Leifur Eiríksson, or 'lucky Leif' as he is also known - it is worth reading the whole story, which I won't include here. For a very clear retelling of his travels to Greenland and Canada / USA, get a copy of the book 'Saga Land' (which shall feature on the blog in April).
The statue was presented to Iceland by the USA to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Alþingi, the parliament of Iceland.
Alþingi was first convened at Þingvellir in the year 930 AD.
The statue was designed by American sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder, who won a 1929 competition for the design of the monument.
Image of statue: Alan Parkinson
Alþingi was first convened at Þingvellir in the year 930 AD.
The statue was designed by American sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder, who won a 1929 competition for the design of the monument.
Here's Leif on a US postage stamp.
Image of statue: Alan Parkinson
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