Bessastaðir
Besides being the residence of the President of Iceland, Bessastaðir is also an important historical site that has played a prominent role in the history of the country.
The property of Bessastaðir on Álftanes, near Reykjavík, has a history that runs from the Age of Settlement. In its present form, Bessastaðir consists of a group of buildings including Bessastaðastofa, a reception room, a service wing, the President’s Residence, the manager’s and caretaker’s apartments, Bessastaðir Church, and a garage.
Large numbers of visitors come to Bessastaðir each year, either by invitation or as tourists. Groups have also been admitted by special arrangement with the supervisor of the property (e-mail: president @ president.is).
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Bessastaðir Church (Bessastaðakirkja) is a farm church, meaning that it forms part of the property of Bessastaðir and is therefore under the administration of the Office of the President of Iceland.
Church services at Bessastaðir probably go back approximately one thousand years. The present church was consecrated in 1796. The church is decorated by a series of stained-glass windows and a number of important artefacts; these attract tens of thousands of tourists every year. Bessastaðir Church is also a very popular wedding venue.