
the celestial kingdom - View this location on map ![]() the 35-acre temple square is utah's no. 1 tourist attraction, as well as the epicenter of the mormon church. at the south visitors' center just off south temple street, you can pick up a map of the square and take a touch-screen tour showing the construction of the main temple (it took more than 40 years to complete). if you're not a confirmed mormon, you won't be allowed inside, but you can get a good idea of the interior by visiting the smaller assembly hall, built in 1880 with granite left over from construction of the temple. at the north visitors' center, biblical events are presented on film, and there is a 15-minute movie that depicts the creation of the church. after joseph smith was killed in 1844 in illinois, brigham young emerged as the head of the church. his home, beehive house (67 east south temple street), is on the national register of historic places. because mormon belief holds that the souls of the dead can be saved by living relatives, the church maintains the family history library - one of the largest caches of genealogical records in the world. you can research your ancestry until 10 p.m. on saturdays. New York Times 67 east south temple street, Salt Lake City, UT Historical, Cultural |