Nauvoo Illinois Temple, Religious temple in Nauvoo, United States
The Nauvoo Illinois Temple is a temple in Nauvoo, Illinois, United States, set on a bluff above the Mississippi River with walls of pale limestone rising against the sky. The tower reaches about 162 feet (49 meters) and is crowned by a gilded figure that looks out over the surrounding streets and fields.
The first building from the 1840s burned down in 1848 and a tornado damaged the ruins two years later. A new structure was completed only at the beginning of the 21st century and dedicated in 2002.
The site takes its name from a Hebrew root meaning beautiful, which the early settlers used to mark this riverside settlement as a place of spiritual renewal. Today the building remains a working religious structure for ceremonies that only members may attend, though the grounds welcome anyone who wishes to walk the paths and view the exterior.
Entering the interior is only possible with special permission, but the outdoor grounds and paths around the building remain open. During summer evenings, open-air performances take place on the property with free admission.
The baptismal font in the lower level rests on twelve carved oxen figures that replicate a biblical representation. The floor beneath the font is laid with red brick tiles that contrast with the pale stone of the other rooms.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
